The Space Between Them

"¦And remember you cannot tell anyone, she said as she pulled her shirt over her head.

Jason lived below Camille in a not so luxurious apartment complex. Jason lived with a roommate, Hector, and Camille lived with her boyfriend of six years, Chad. Six years, four months, and fifteen days; to be exact, but who's counting? Camille noticed right away when the two good-looking guys moved in below her earlier that year. There was just something about these two guys that she had to figure out. It started out innocent enough; she would speak to them when she saw them at the mailbox, in the parking lot, outside smoking; but on one fateful day in November, things grew a little more complicated for Camille, Chad, Jason, and Hector.

"I know the drill, replied Jason, "but hiding this from everyone is getting hard for me, Camille. I want to be with you, I want you to meet my friends, my family¦ not just as the women that lives above me, but as my girlfriend. Camille sighed, "it's hard for me too Jason, but this is the way it has to be for awhile, it's far more complicated than you know. But soon, we will be together, just you and me. Jason didn't seem as comforted as he did when she said that very thing a few months ago. He finished dressing, grabbed his shoes, kissed Camille on the cheek, and as he began down the stairs to his apartment he said something that frightened Camille somewhat, "we can't keep this secret forever, someone will figure it out eventually. And when they do, Camille, things won't be very pretty.

Later that afternoon, Camille was showering and thought about what Jason had said to her. It sent a chill down her spine. If word of her affair with Jason were to get back to Chad, he would be devastated. Camille loves Chad with all of her heart, but he's never been one to commit. Things with Chad were going well lately, probably because Camille seemed happier. Nevertheless, Camille couldn't shake the feeling that Jason was right; soon enough things would become obvious to everyone, and then her entire world would be turned upside down.

Chad owned and worked at a local body shop. He was tall and handsome; it was his thick black hair and intense blue eyes that first attracted Camille. Camille was sort of the opposite with her sandy blonde hair and dark green eyes. Camille stayed in shape, she worked out daily; but Chad had let himself go over the years and has become a little frumpy. Perhaps this is why Camille turned to the arms of another man, or at least that's what she likes to tell herself. In her heart, she thinks she is just looking for a way out, but not without a backup plan first. Which is Jason's roll: Jason is tall, very handsome, in top shape, and the best lover Camille has ever had. Jason worked and managed a retail store, which was not the brightest of futures, but it paid his bills.

However, this isn't where the complication ends. Camille has been intrigued by Jason for a while, but not quite as long as she has been with Hector. Camille and Hector began flirting the day he and Jason moved in below her. They began sleeping together a few weeks later. Hector seems to understand the rules better than Jason, but that is probably because Hector is also in a serious relationship. Camille often wonders how these two guys, the best of friends, keep this secret from each other. After all, guys brag to their friends about their sexual conquests all the time, right? And yet, they don't seem to know that they are sleeping with the same woman.

Hector was gorgeous and worked as a cable installer. He is Hispanic with dark skin, hair, and eyes, but there was something more exciting about Hector. He has a presence that you cannot help but be captivated by. Things with Hector were more exhilarating than with Jason and Chad. Yet, somehow Camille was strangely and uniquely attached to all of them. With Hector, it was his carefree attitude, his fun-loving outlook on life that kept her coming back for more. Chad, of course, she had been in love with him for so long and continued waiting for more to happen, but with all his fears aside, Camille loved Chad. And Jason; oddly enough, Camille seemed most attached to Jason. He was the type of guy that Camille thought she'd be with forever. He was already willing to commit to her; he had also offered to take her away from her current life. He was so sincere, gentle, and loving. Everything Jason did, he did with passion. Whether it was kissing Camille's forehead, caressing her hair, or selling something at work. Camille was in love with Chad, lustful for Hector, and falling for Jason.

After her shower, Camille stood at the bathroom mirror staring at her reflection. Quietly contemplating how she let things get this messed up. If Jason is right and things are going to come out, she had to end it. But with who?

HECTOR
Camille sometimes liked to imagine the fantasies that went through women's heads when Hector arrived to install their cable. There wasn't much that was undesirable when it came to Hector. He is attractive, charming, and sexy. Camille also liked to take what she believed to be other women's fantasies and act them out with Hector when they had their encounters. Hector didn't seem to mind at all. However, sometimes when they were having sex Camille couldn't stop from wondering about Hector's sex life with his girlfriend. Is he happy with her? And what is she like? Camille has seen her before in passing, "she's cute, she remembers thinking. Camille never bothered to ask Hector about his girlfriend, they were merely sex to one another. Nevertheless, sometimes she couldn't help but wonder. "Does she know about us? What would happen if she found out? What would Hector say in return? Does he love her?

Hector is your stereotypical 23-year-old guy as far as Camille knows: he likes to drink, party, and apparently have sex with other women. Yet, he has been with his girlfriend for a long time; Jason once told her that they had known her back in high school. Hector was a complete mystery, outside of the bedroom, to Camille. That very well may be what made sex with Hector so exciting. Hector has lived in the area his entire life, and Camille knows nothing of any dreams to change that.

JASON
Jason, on the other hand, moved to Alabama after high school. He was chasing his high school sweetheart, whom he now has a 3-year-old daughter with. Camille knows that his ex and daughter are a very touchy subject with Jason; therefore, she rarely asks about that part of his past. Also unlike Hector, Jason is a little shy. Camille remembers finding it adorable when they first met. Jason has brown hair, brown eyes, and extremely strong facial features with a goatee and mustache that frames his handsome face perfectly. Camille and Jason spent more time getting to know each other before deciding to sleep together. Consequently, Camille knows a lot about Jason. He is extremely funny, very passionate, exceptionally nice, and overly caring. He believes sleep is overrated, he was always saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead. Jason claimed there were more important things to be done while everyone else was sleeping. He explained to Camille once, on one of their very rare over night-ers, "I find it much more satisfying to watch you sleeping peacefully in my arms than to sleep myself. Camille remembers that night perfectly; it was one of her more intimate nights with Jason ' not sexually, but emotionally.

Jason, also 23, seems to know what he wants for his future. Although, his job in retail was very satisfying, Jason is hoping to go back to college and get a degree in photography. He also wants to move out of the area and buy a house in the country. Jason knew when he got involved with Camille that she was with Chad. Somehow, that did seem to bother Jason. After all, they started out friends and things just slowly progressed over about a year. Camille recalls what Jason said to her the afternoon their friendship grew into something more passionate, "everything happens for a reason. And I don't believe in mistakes. This was meant to happen and I will take care of you for as long as you let me. Although Jason has never confessed his love for Camille, she can tell that there is more to it than sex because she feels it too.

CHAD
Chad took over his father's body shop when he passed away; and even though business hasn't been great lately, he intends to keep the shop running. It was his father's dream, and as long as he could keep it open, he planned to. Chad was very sentimental that way; it's what his father gave to him; not only the business, but also the knowledge. Chad can recall many times as a kid hanging around the shop when his dad was there. Chad and Camille met at that very shop. Camille had just gotten her driver's license and had a minor fender bender in her mom's car. Rather than report the accident, she thought it best to fix it without her mother knowing. Chad was working in the shop for extra money at the time; he was 17 and knew he had to ask Camille out. They have been together since that day.

Chad had also lived in the area his entire life and with the shop, he doesn't intend on leaving town. He once had aspirations of going into politics, but mostly because his parents hated politics. Chad was extremely shy, but has since grown out of that. He told Camille once that after seeing his parent's marriage fall to pieces, he didn't want to experience the same thing. "What's the difference, Camille, it's just a piece of paper and an expensive ring? That doesn't really show my love to you, he once proclaimed to Camille after she asked him if they were ever going to get married.

CAMILLE
Camille is a beautiful 22-year-old girl from a small town. She used to joke that where she grew up there was more livestock than people; which may have actually been true. Camille never had any trouble getting guys to like her. After all, she was beautiful, funny, charismatic, polite, and sweet. However, she had had a few boyfriends in the past and had become somewhat cautious with her emotions. After wrecking her mom's car, Camille thought she owed a debt of gratitude to the sweet young man that helped her. She thought he was cute and didn't see any harm in one date. Now, that one date has turned into six years, four months, and fifteen days. Camille has gotten a little bored with the humdrum of her and Chad's everyday routine.

Camille had several dead-end jobs until she found the perfect one. She worked from home as an office assistant for the local dentist office. It paid her well, she didn't have to be in the office, and she could pretty much do her work whenever she wanted. It was the flexibility of her job that made it possible for her to carry on a relationship with three very different men.

The day Jason and Hector moved in, she was feeling rather bored and wanted to find out more about them. Little did she know that day would create a great deal of drama and chaos in her life.

After dressing, Camille knew she had to get rid of at least one of these guys. She thought since she had no emotional connections to Hector that he would be easiest to break it off with; besides, he had a girlfriend that Camille didn't want to find out. She was set to meet Hector later that afternoon before Chad got home from work. Camille wouldn't dare risk going downstairs to see him because then Jason would become suspicious. Therefore, she called Hector and asked if they could meet up sooner.

"Hey Steve, what's up? Hector answered the phone. It was code talk for when he was with his girlfriend. Steve was a made-up guy he works with. "I need to see you, Camille begged, "We need to talk. "Aww, Steve can't it wait, I'm with my girl right now. "I know and I'm sorry, Camille answered, "but it's important. "But Steve that meeting was set for 3:30 this afternoon, Hector answered. "Okay, I will get there after I drop Shelby off. See ya then Steve, bye. "Shelby, Camille thought aloud, "Shelby is his girlfriend's name. Hector and Camille always meet at the park down the street, so Camille left the apartment and headed to the park to wait.

Hector arrived in his cable van. He had already cleared a spot for them to have sex. But when Camille didn't get out of her car, Hector got confused. "They always did it in the van, her car was too small for sex, Hector thought as he got out of the van. He headed over to her car were Camille appeared to be deep in thought. He jokingly knocked loudly on her window. Camille was frightened by this, but slightly relieved to see Hector smiling back at her through the glass. She motioned him to get in the passenger side door and he did.

"Shelby was a little pissed off when I told her I had to take her home, but oh well¦ Hector explained and began kissing Camille's neck. Camille stopped him and said, "That's why I wanted to meet you and talk. We cannot do this anymore; I don't want things to end badly for any of us. That's why I wanted it to be a mutual agreement. Hector was obviously agitated as he shifted around in the passenger seat of Camille's car. "I have a great guy back at the apartment and you shouldn't jeopardize your relationship with Shelby for random sex with me, Camille answered. Soon, she realized what it was exactly she had just said: a great guy at the apartment? Chad wouldn't be home from the shop for another few hours; Jason was, though, back at the apartment. What did she mean, she wondered. Of course, she meant Chad, she thought to herself. "I am just a little flustered with all of this, she said aloud. "Hector, you go back to Shelby and forget anything between us ever happened.

Hector seemed to grow increasingly angry and then said, "you think you're the only one that Shelby doesn't know about? You don't think there are others just like you; or that I can't find another girl to take your place? Hector turned and looked out the window; Camille had no idea what to say to this outburst from Hector. Then suddenly, Hector turned back towards Camille, smiled and said, "are you sure you don't want one more rendezvous?

As Camille was driving back to the apartment, she began pondering again her statement about having a great guy back at the apartment. Did she really mean Jason? "Who knows? she said aloud. Although, Camille did love the time she had with Jason. Moreover, she especially loved when she was able to spend time with Jason and his daughter, Elizabeth. Camille has always wanted to have children of her own and nearly did once.

Camille was pregnant very young; she was 16 and her boyfriend had just broken up with her. She wasn't thrilled to be a single, teenaged mother, but she was going to accept the consequences of her actions and make the best out of it. She was two months pregnant and on her way to tell her parents when she began to feel very badly. Camille stopped the car at a local gas station and went to use the restroom, but noticed she was bleeding. She asked the clerk to call the ambulance, to tell them she was pregnant and something was very wrong.

Camille miscarried her baby that day. The doctor told her that she had a severe infection and that it was to blame for the miscarriage, but also that because they hadn't caught the infection sooner; Camille would have a very hard time conceiving in the future. The doctor then informed her that the chances of her being able to naturally conceive were about 20%. In addition, if she were to become pregnant in the future, she would have an extremely difficult, high-risk pregnancy. Of course, this upset Camille immensely. Perhaps because of this, Camille has a special connection to Elizabeth. She often finds herself wishing that Elizabeth were her own child.

Back at the apartment, Camille wished that she had someone to talk with about the days events. She wanted to tell someone about her thing with Hector, his unexpected reaction, her growing feelings for Jason and Elizabeth, her fleeting feelings for Chad; but mostly she just wanted someone to help her figure everything out.

Camille never told Chad about her miscarriage or her inability to have children. Chad has expressed his feelings of not wanting kids. Camille didn't really think it was necessary to tell him of her misfortune if he wasn't going to care about the outcome. She also didn't inform him because it was a painful part of her past that haunts the everyday of her present. Every time Camille sees a woman with a baby in the grocery store, her eyes well up with tears.

Her inability to have children isn't something Camille has shared with many people. Only her parents and a few close friends know about what happened to her. This is why Camille found it strange when out of nowhere she found herself telling Jason the upsetting details. Camille cried for the first time in a long time and Jason was there to console her. That day was the first of many days that Camille felt more than attraction towards Jason. She felt strangely linked to him.

Camille still had a few hours before Chad would get home from the shop, so she decided to call the only person she really felt as though she could talk to: Jason. Jason invited her down after Camille asked if she could talk to him. Camille knew that she couldn't go into detail on what happened with Hector; instead, she just told him that she was having a bad day and needed comforting. Jason hugged Camille tightly and asked her what happened, but before he could finish, she blurted out "what happened in Alabama? What happened to Elizabeth's mother?

Jason was a little surprised at Camille's outburst. He swallowed hard and said, "I've told you haven't I? I am almost certain that I did. Obviously, he was trying to buy a little time. "No, Jason, you haven't told me. I would like to know what happened in your past¦ if you are willing to tell me that is. So, Jason explained:

He was dating Holly in high school, he thought they would be together forever, she was his one and only. However, Holly's parents weren't fond of Jason; they said he was a bad influence on her. He had her staying out late, lying about where she was, and who she was with. Holly tried explaining that she loved Jason and that if they were more accepting of him, she wouldn't have to lie to them. Nevertheless, Holly's parents allowed her to graduate and then moved her to Alabama with her grandmother. Jason was in love with Holly and wasn't going to allow distance keep them apart.

Jason packed up his life and moved to Alabama as soon as he found out what happened to Holly. Although, Holly's grandmother was strict (more so than her parents), they still managed to see each other secretly. Holly and Jason were able to keep their life together hidden for two years, even after she became pregnant. Holly was good at hiding the pregnancy from her grandmother, until one fateful night that is.

Holly was eight months pregnant and she and Jason had gone to the movies. They always drove separately in case they had to make a quick departure. Holly was in her grandmother's car about to leave the parking lot, Jason in his car behind her; Jason wasn't exactly sure what happened next. He said that there was a semi coming towards them, Holly waited for it. Something terrible happened; at this point Jason was beginning to tear up. Apparently, the semi driver had fallen asleep, or so the accident reports say, and he swerved¦ he hit Holly traveling at about 70 miles per hour.

Jason, Holly, and a few other people were all rushed to the nearby hospital. Jason was screaming for the paramedics to help Holly. The next thing he remembers was waking up in the hospital. The doctors told him he had been there for three days. Jason asked about the condition of Holly, but they refused to answer him. The doctor told Jason they couldn't release the information unless he was family. Jason pleaded and told the doctor that she was having his baby, and they were planning to get married.

After consulting another doctor, Jason's doctor told him that Holly didn't make it. She was hurt very badly and had a terrible internal bleed. Although, they did everything they could for Holly, they could not save her. The doctor offered Jason his condolences and asked if there was anyone he could call or anything he could do. Jason told the doctor's how to get a hold of Holly's family.

Jason said he remembers weeping for what seemed like a very long time before a nurse entered his room. The nurse informed Jason that the surgeons had somehow saved Holly's baby. She asked if he felt well enough to take a wheelchair ride to see his daughter.

Of course, Holly's parents also blame Jason for her death; after all, she was with him. Nevertheless, they allow Jason his parental rights of seeing Elizabeth whenever he wishes.

"I hate seeing the disgust in their eyes whenever I pickup or drop Elizabeth off. I know they blame me and for a long time I blamed myself for what happened to Holly. I guess, I just realized blaming myself isn't going to bring her back, Jason wiped his tears as Camille fought back her own. "The worst part is, in Alabama, when a driver falls asleep at the wheel, he isn't criminally responsible if he can prove he hasn't slept in more than 24 hours. So, Holly's killer got away.

Jason was noticeably upset and Camille began to regret asking him to share the details of that tragic night. "I'm sorry, Jason; sorry that it happened and sorry that I asked. Jason smiled and grasped Camille's hand, "you have no need to be sorry, Camille. I thank God everyday that he spared Elizabeth. I think it all would have been harder if I didn't have Elizabeth. Yet, every time I see her I am reminded of Holly; Elizabeth is starting to look like her you know?

After consoling Jason the best way she knew how, Camille returned to her apartment to await Chad's arrival. She couldn't stop thinking of the tragic story of Jason, Holly, and Elizabeth. Camille and Chad sat down to dinner like every other night and Chad could obviously tell that Camille was disturbed by something, "what's wrong babe? You seem upset, asked Chad. Camille shrugged it off as just an ordinary bad day.

That night Camille couldn't sleep; her stomach was bothering her and she knew she had to make a decision between Chad and Jason. It was the stress of the decision that she believed to be causing her indigestion. Camille finally fell asleep and dreamt of Jason and Chad. In her dream, Chad had found out about Jason and they began to duel. Camille was hoping this dream would give her some insight on which man to choose. However, she woke to Chad kissing her cheek gently as he did every morning before he left for work.

Camille went back to sleep with her stomach still bothering her. She slept dreamlessly and woke to pains in her abdomen. The cramps were so bad that Camille could barely get out of bed. Somehow, she made it to the telephone where she proceeded to call her doctor to make an appointment for that afternoon. Until her appointment at 11:30, Camille laid around in her pajamas trying not to move. Her pains were moderate, but still painful. She was dreading getting up to drive to the doctor and considered calling Chad to come home to take her. Camille knew if Chad was aware that she wasn't feeling well that he would drop everything he was doing and rush to be with her. However, because Chad was the head mechanic at the shop, he couldn't afford to cancel his appointments to take her to the doctor. She also thought about calling Jason to take her, although Camille was starting to rely on Jason a lot.

Camille bared the pain and drove herself to the doctor. The doctor saw her right away and began examining and testing. It wasn't her appendix, liver, or kidneys. He also ruled out gas, food poisoning, and the flu. After rushing the results on the blood test, the doctor came in and announced, "I have some good news for you, Camille. You aren't sick at all!

Camille drove home in a daze. The doctor had given her a prescription for the discomfort, as he called it. "How could this be? Should I get a second-opinion? Camille thought to herself. She arrived in the parking lot to the apartment, shut the ignition off, and sat there in sheer puzzlement. The doctor had given her a clean bill of health that day, but news that would forever change her life.

After all these years, Camille believed she could not have children; yet, here she sat, three months pregnant. Camille couldn't help thinking about all the problems the doctor told her she would have so many years ago if she were to get pregnant. He told her that her risk of miscarrying again was much higher; there could be potential birth defects (if the baby made it full term), low birth weight, under-developed organs, and premature labor. Camille could even have to be on bed rest her entire pregnancy, not to mention be hospitalized for the entire nine months for monitoring. However, the most shattering of these possible risks was death: her own and the baby's.

Camille got out of the car feeling so overwhelmed that she didn't notice the "discomfort in her stomach. She entered her apartment and dropped her keys, removed her coat, and before she actually shut the door realized that she wasn't entirely sure who the father of this baby could be. In all likelihood, it could have been any of them. Camille used protection with all of the men to prevent something like this from happening. She was even taking birth control pills, but she was pregnant.

Camille began feeling lightheaded so she sat down at the kitchen table. Not having really realized yet, Camille lifted her shirt and caressed her stomach. "Pregnant. Camille was having a baby. It was something that she had always wanted, but never in this situation. She has three men that could be the father and she had just broken things off with Hector. "Oh my, what if it's Hector? Camille wondered. Not realizing her door remained ajar, Jason appeared in the doorway, "what if what is Hector? What did he do now? Jason asked.

Camille looked up. What was she going to say? How was she going to explain this to Jason? "Oh hey, Jason, what do you mean? "Well, Jason explained, "Hector told me last night that he has been sleeping with women other than Shelby. He wants to break it off with these other women before Shelby finds out and leaves him. How can he be so stupid? How can she be so blind, rather?

"I wouldn't be so quick to judge Hector, Jason. I'm doing the same thing. Any judgments you pass onto Hector, you may as well being passing onto me as well. I'm doing the same thing by juggling you and Chad, Camille elaborated. She didn't want Jason to think she meant she was sleeping with Hector. "Wait, Camille said, "did Hector tell you who he was sleeping with?

Jason seemed shocked at Camille's sudden interest. "No, he didn't. Why? Jason asked. Camille searched her head for something that wouldn't draw attention to her, "I thought I saw him the other day with a girl I often see at the grocery store. It sounded lame, but she couldn't think of anything else to say. Jason seemed to have forgotten that Camille was the one that brought up Hector. However, she was thinking of something more brilliant to say in case Jason did remember.

"Well, anyway, I am taking Elizabeth sledding and wondered if maybe you would like to come with. Camille wanted more than anything to go with Jason, but she had to do some research. "No, I don't feel very well and I think I'm going to nap, but thank you for the invitation. Jason winked at Camille, told her to get well soon, and closed her door.

Camille took one of the pills the doctor prescribed and got on her computer. She was hoping to find out how soon the doctor could do a DNA test on the baby. Camille found out that she can have a CVS test done at 10-12 weeks or an amniocentesis performed at 15-17 weeks, and the doctor can test the DNA then. However, how is she going to get Jason, Hector, and Chad to submit DNA?

Camille called her doctor back and asked to have the CVS test done. She explained to the doctor that there is more than one possibility of who the baby's father could be and she wishes to find out as soon as she can. Camille asked the doctor to explain to her the different ways they collected DNA from possible fathers. The doctor explained the most common way was a swabbing of the mouth, but samples could be taken from hair, skin, and blood cells also. However, precautions and policy require that the samples be taken by the doctor himself or a registered nurse. The doctor then informed Camille that he had reviewed her old charts and found the record of her previous miscarriage and information concerning the potential problems if she were to become pregnant again. He told Camille that he thought it best she sees an expert regarding high-risk pregnancy from here on out. Therefore, he would not perform the CVS or DNA tests.

Camille wrote down the number to the new doctor and called right away. The new doctor was a woman by the name of Shannon Kerkoff and she told Camille that she was expecting her call. Camille informed Dr. Kerkoff of her dilemma and Dr. Kerkoff agreed that a CVS test was in order. Dr. Kerkoff was going to suggest one anyway to detect any early signs of genetic disorders. She told Camille that even though her practice was a private one, they still recommended the men be tested in person.

After hanging up the receiver, Camille began to think of how she was going to get the three different men in for a DNA test without telling any of them of her pregnancy. Camille wanted to tell the father when she knew for sure who he was. She decided first to test Jason. He was easiest to reach in the middle of the day and could go with her to her CVS test later that afternoon. Camille called Jason and apologized for bothering him while he was with Elizabeth, but she still didn't feel well and hoped he could take her to the doctor.

Jason explained that it wasn't a problem because he and Elizabeth couldn't go sledding after all; something about Holly's parents not thinking it was safe. He told her he'd be there to pick her up in about fifteen minutes. Camille called Dr. Kerkoff back. She told her what she told Jason and asked if she could partake in the deception for a while. Dr. Kerkoff agreed, but expressed great disapproval.

Jason knocked at Camille's door and asked what was wrong. Camille described her stomach pain to him and they where on their way. Camille gave Jason directions according to the ones she had written down. She was secretly hoping that Dr. Kerkoff didn't have a huge sign outside stating what it was she did: "Dr. Kerkoff: High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist. Jason approached a building that, from the street, looked like a large ranch style home. They pulled into the small parking lot and the sign on the door read "Family Health Clinic; Camille was relieved. She told the receptionist her name and that she had an appointment with Dr. Kerkoff.

Jason and Camille sat down in the charming waiting area and waited about five minutes before Dr. Kerkoff appeared through a swinging door and called her name. Jason stood up also and began to follow Camille, but Dr. Kerkoff asked him to wait there. In the exam room, Camille changed and Dr. Kerkoff took her history and examined her. She then took a sample for the CVS and DNA tests. Dr. Kerkoff told Camille she was going to tell Jason that it was a highly contagious virus and he should be tested because he was in contact with Camille.

Dr. Kerkoff allowed Camille to get dressed and brought Jason into the exam room with her. Dr. Kerkoff discussed with Jason the virus that Camille had caught and told him that as a precautionary measure they would want to test him and any others who Camille had seen with in the last 48 hours. Jason agreed and Dr. Kerkoff explained to Jason that she would be taking a blood sample from him. She proceeded to ask him if he had been in contact with anyone in the last 48 hours, because they would have to be tested also if he did, in fact, have the virus. Jason listed those people: Hector, Camille, Elizabeth, and Holly's parents. Dr. Kerkoff had asked Camille on the phone about the potential fathers-to-be and recognized Hector's name. She told Jason that children and people over the age of 50 aren't usually susceptible to this particular virus and the only one he would have to bring in would be Hector.

Camille was surprised at how easy this DNA test was turning out to be. Dr. Kerkoff asked Jason to return to the waiting area and Camille would be right out. She informed Camille that the lab technician was in today that they could have the results by the end of the day. The results that would either rule him out or prove that he was, indeed, Camille's unborn child's father. Camille realized that at this point she hadn't really given much thought as to who she wanted it to be. Dr. Kerkoff dismissed Camille.

Did the fact that she asked Jason to be tested first really mean that she wanted him to be the father? Did that in turn mean she wanted to be with Jason not Chad? On the other hand, did she do it out of sheer convenience that Jason was available and Chad wasn't? Jason returned to Camille's apartment with her and awaited the phone call on whether or not he had "the virus. Camille then realized that they were all referring to her child as a virus and how saddening that was to her. While waiting for the phone call, Camille was pondering the questions she was asking herself on the ride home.

Perhaps all the signs did point to Jason. She did ask him to be tested first, she referred to her man back at the apartment when he was the only one there, she went to Jason with her problems, she felt she could talk to Jason about anything. Camille looked over at Jason, who was watching TV, and smiled. It was then when Camille realized her heart's desire. She wanted to be with Jason; she wanted to have Jason's baby, and she wanted to grow old with Jason.

The ringing of the phone startled Camille so much she jumped from her chair. It was the doctors office, Camille was surprised that they were able to get the test results back so soon and realized that an hour and a half had gone by since they got back. She glanced at the clock; Chad was going to be home soon and Camille became panicked. Camille was so flustered that she dropped the telephone receiver and fainted. Jason rushed to her side and tried reviving her.

Camille awoke in a hospital bed. Jason and Chad both by her side, she closed her eyes again in hopes this was a bad dream. She reopened them and there they stood; her longtime boyfriend and the man she was in love with. Jason nudged Chad, who had drifted off to sleep, and Jason whispered something about going to get the doctor. Chad just stared into Camille's eyes. His gaze seemed to penetrate every depth of her heart and soul. Camille feared what Chad could find out so she closed her eyes again until she heard the doctor enter the room.

It was Dr. Kerkoff. Jason had apparently told the hospital that Camille had gone to see her earlier that day. Camille then wondered what the doctors at the hospital had told Jason and Chad. Everything was such a mystery to Camille now and she became panicked again. Dr. Kerkoff asked the men to leave the room for a moment while she spoke with Camille. Chad hesitated for a minute and then agreed. After the two men had left and the door was closed, Dr. Kerkoff closed the blinds on the window that separated Camille and them.

Dr. Kerkoff explained that Camille was in the OBGYN section of the hospital. Before Dr. Kerkoff could ask the doctors at the ER to not announce that Camille was pregnant, they had done just that. The doctors in the emergency room knew when Jason told them that Camille had seen Dr. Kerkoff that day that Camille was, in fact, pregnant. Jason and Chad had come along in the ambulance together. Chad had never questioned why Jason was in the apartment with Camille.

Camille asked if they both knew that she was pregnant. Dr Kerkoff told her she was unsure if they had heard because neither Chad nor Jason had asked about it. "But I don't think it's safe to assume that they don't know either Camille. You are in the OBGYN section of the hospital and they both know that. I'm sure they have figured it out by now, I am also sure they are both wondering why the other remains by your side. You are going to have to tell them. Dr Kerkoff said ever so calmly. "Camille, I am not sure you heard me before you fainted, but Jason is the father of your baby. However, you didn't just faint because of the stress. Your baby is positioned to where your uterus is pushing up into your lungs and heart, which, in turn, is putting stress on them. We have done everything that is medically possible to try to move the baby. According to the most recent test results, the baby hasn't lowered much. I'm afraid, Camille, that you may have to terminate this pregnancy. You were aware of the risks of another pregnancy and I'm not sure what you want me to do right now.

Dr. Kerkoff continued to describe to Camille the hazards of continuing a pregnancy in her condition. She mentioned that if Camille weren't to terminate the pregnancy, she would have to remain in the hospital until something was to happen. The baby could naturally reposition itself, she could miscarry again, or it could very well cause so much stress on Camille's body that it kills her. Dr Kerkoff told Camille the chances of this baby being carried to full term and being born healthy was very, very slim. She also informed Camille that she most definitely would not be able to have more children even if she were to terminate the current pregnancy because they would have to remove her uterus.

Dr. Kerkoff left the room and sent Chad in as Camille requested. Chad appeared cheerless and disheartened. Camille hadn't seen Chad this way since his father died. Camille hugged Chad and elaborated on what was going on. She told him the story of her miscarriage before they met. She told him she was pregnant again. Then she broke the news that he was not her baby's father. Camille described the events that had taken place over the course of the last year with Hector and Jason. She tried telling Chad that she never stopped loving him, but at some point fell out of love with him. Chad blamed himself for never being home or emotionally available to her when she needed him. After a very long and emotional talk, Chad hugged Camille and left the room. He walked to the waiting room where Jason sat; Chad wiped the tears from his face, shook Jason's hand and told him Camille wished to see him.

Camille was relieved that Chad had taken the days events so well. Now, she had to tell Jason about Hector, which wouldn't be easy, but Camille predicted it to be easier than telling Chad about what had happened. Jason entered the room looking very uncomfortable and slightly uneasy; he approached Camille's bed slowly and, what appeared to be, very cautiously.

"Chad left, Jason said. Camille nodded and motioned Jason to come sit next to her. After sitting in a chair along side her bed, Camille told Jason that she had told Chad about the two of them. She informed Jason that Chad was moving out. Jason seemed to relax slightly in his chair; Camille began to cry, she wasn't expecting to become emotional.

"Jason, we are having a baby. When we went to Dr. Kerkoff's office today, you weren't being tested for a virus; you were being tested for paternity. I am pregnant with your baby. Jason appeared confused, so Camille told Jason it was a shock to her as well. She told him about the baby being in a bad position and the possible consequences of not terminating the pregnancy. Camille explained there was more she had to confess to him. She then began to elaborate on her "thing with Hector, how she ended it with him, and that she believes that triggered his admission of the other girls he had been with.

Camille proceeded to explain to Jason that it took her a while to decide what she wanted, but ultimately, she had chosen him. She also tried to make clear that she had decided upon that before she knew he was the father of her baby. These words didn't seem to reassure Jason. He grew increasingly upset. Jason stood up, apologized to Camille and told her he had to leave, he needed time to grasp a hold of what she was telling him.

Just like that, Jason left. He didn't tell her goodbye, he didn't kiss her, and he didn't inform her of when he was planning to come back. He just left. Camille was heartbroken.

Two days went past and she still heard nothing from Jason or Chad. Camille remained in the hospital for monitoring. Soon, it was three, then five, and suddenly an entire week had past. Chad had called her to see how she was feeling and to update her that he had completed his move. Camille didn't think it was appropriate to ask Chad if he had heard anything from Jason; so, she continued wondering.

Camille remained heartbroken for two weeks before a nurse announced she had a visitor. Camille grew excited waiting to see Jason's handsome face appear through the window outside her door. She began primping herself and then realized she was still in the hospital and there wasn't much she could do to make herself appear glamorous. With her emotions high and her expectations higher, Camille's hopes were shattered when she saw Hector's face instead of Jason's.

Camille began sobbing. Hector entered the room with flowers and a "Get Better Soon balloon. Camille regained control of her emotions and asked what he was doing there. Hector informed Camille that Jason had told her what had happened. Hector said that Jason had come home and tried taking a swing at him. Hector explained that things were over between he and Camille and there were no emotions between them. Hector told Camille that Jason was upset and refused to talk to him about it. Although, when Hector had woke up that morning Jason had quietly moved out during the night. "All of his things are gone, Camille. I tried calling him, but he has had his phone shut off for the last few days. I have no idea where he has gone, I'm sorry. I just thought I should tell you.
Hector left just as easily as the other two men she had been involved with had. Camille was now miserable.

The doctors all rushed into Camille's room. With all of the emotions Camille had experienced in such a short period, her heart rate became unstable. The doctors tried to calm her down, but nothing seemed to be working. Camille remembered several doctors and nurses surrounding her before her eyes fluttered shut.

There is no scientific evidence that anyone has ever died from a broken heart, but there also isn't evidence that it couldn't happen either. Camille became so distraught that afternoon that the doctors struggled to stabilize her heart rate.

However they did. Camille's eyes slowly opened to what appeared to be a new hospital room. A nurse saw Camille awake and came to her side. The nurse explained that Camille had been "out for about a week. The nurse told Camille she was going to go get Dr. Kerkoff. Dr. Kerkoff came into the room a few minutes later. She explained to Camille what had happened and the struggle they had. Camille asked about the baby and Dr Kerkoff replied, "Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad is that you have to stay here for a while longer. The good, your baby has naturally lowered itself from the position it was causing stress on your other organs, and everything appears to be going smoothly.

Camille became relieved. However, Dr Kerkoff wasn't finished. "In midst of all your "excitement, we called Jason¦.. The doctor's voice seemed to taper off, but her lips continued moving. The next thing Camille heard was "¦would you like to see him? Camille assumed she meant Jason and frantically answered in the affirmative.

Dr. Kerkoff went to the door and signaled outside. Then he appeared, it was almost as if Camille was seeing him for the first time again. Jason walked through the door holding Elizabeth in his arms; and Camille felt overjoyed. Jason sat in the same chair he had before he left her. He then began explaining.

"Hector told me he stopped by here to see you. He also said he told you that I moved out. I'm sorry that I hadn't called or anything, but I had some things to take care of before I did come to see you. I want you to know that I was extremely upset that you didn't tell me about Hector, but then it seemed to make sense. You never came around when he was home, we never stayed at my place, and things like that suddenly became clear. I stayed pissed for about two days before I, myself, became miserable. Two days was the longest I hadn't seen you since we met. Then I started feeling like an ass because the woman I love was in the hospital and I hadn't been to see her. I saw Chad moving his stuff out one day and we began talking. I have a surprise for you; I took pictures for you to see. I moved my stuff upstairs to your apartment after talking to Chad about it. I switched the second bedroom from an office to a nursery for the baby and Elizabeth. I also spoke with Holly's parents and they have agreed to give me full custody of Elizabeth. I love you, Camille.

Camille had started crying as she was looking at the transformation of her former office into a nursery. She didn't know what to say except, "I love you, too.

Chad went on to meet "the girl of his dreams, Kayleigh, and married her after a few months. He realized after his relationship with Camille went astray he had to change his life. Chad flipped the body shop into a highly profitable business. Chad, Kayleigh, Camille, and Jason have remained friends and often visit.

Hector and Shelby broke up. She found out about the other women he had in his life. After the break up, Hector joined the Marines. Hector has since lost touch with Camille and Jason; perhaps because he is jealous of their happiness. However, Jason gets the occasional phone call from Hector telling him about the exotic places he's been and the exotic girls that go along with it.

Camille remained in the hospital for her entire pregnancy; Jason came to see her everyday. She had an occasional visit from Chad, as well. Camille carried her baby to full term and gave birth to a very healthy baby boy. They named him Michael. Shortly after Camille had Michael, they moved to a house in the country. Jason proposed to Camille later that year.

Camille is still unsure what led her to the arms of two other men when she had a great guy at home. Perhaps she was just so intrigued by Jason and Hector that she couldn't help herself. Maybe she was searching for excitement in her dull routine life. Possibly Chad wasn't fulfilling her emotionally and sexually; whatever the reason, Camille found true happiness in the arms of Jason, and that is where she intends to remain.

THE END