Gen. 2: Sometimes a Little Overreaction is a Good Thing

With all the threatening calls from Nico, I am afraid for myself and for Polly.  I keep having nightmares about him doing something terrible...not only to me but to my children.  I don't know what to do.

Of course Polly can tell I'm afraid.  Having just learned to talk, she tries to reassure me.

POLLY: Don't be scared Mommy.  

BONNIE: I'm not sweetie...but I think we should go for a walk...what do you say?

POLLY: Yay!  Walk!

Usually for her that means she's being either carried or pushed around in a stroller, but what's the difference?

My first instinct tells me to go to Brendan.  Maybe he can help me figure out what to do.

BRENDAN: I'm excited that you thought of me, but honestly babe, I think being here is probably the worst place you could be.  They know we're dating.  If they're looking for you, this is the obvious place.

BONNIE: What do you suggest I do then?

That last line was a bit shrill, but I can't help it.  I am feeling more and more desperate and afraid.  I don't even want to take Polly out of my sight, not to mention my other children.

BRENDAN: The best thing you can do is just go home, make sure all your kids are safe...and just be careful.

Yeah, thanks, that sounds like great advice.  Not.

Regardless, I don't see that I have any other options, so I just head home.

Normal for us is more birthdays, so Serge & Julianna age up.

Serge looks a lot like me and is very popular with the girls.

Julianna is pretty and popular.  Just another example of the good Reed & Everard genes!

In the spirit of continuing on with life and acting like everything is normal, I decide it's time to find another baby daddy.  Of course, I wouldn't dream of leaving Polly with a sitter, so she's coming with me.

BONNIE: What do you say about getting you some little brothers or sisters, Polly?

POLLY: I'm Mommy's baby...

BONNIE: I know you are sweetie...

Okay, maybe this isn't her idea of a good time, but I don't have any other option.

I decide to be neighborly and go across the street to visit.  Maybe there will be a cute bachelor living there...

...but instead, the only person I meet is a woman that is obviously having a bad hair and makeup day...*gulp*

Yeah, I don't really want to bother her.  Let's get out of here.

As I head home, I get a phone call.

BONNIE: Hello?

VOICE: Hi...is this Bonnie Reed?  Daughter of Hadley Reed?

BONNIE: Um...yes...

VOICE: Oh, hi!  My name is Christy Quinn...you might not know me...

BONNIE: Christy Quinn?  Really!?  Of course I know you!  *inner girly sqeal!*

CHRISTY: *nervous laughter* Oh...well...um...

BONNIE: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...but you're, like...baby challenge royalty.

CHRISTY: Um, thanks?

BONNIE: Okay, I'm sorry, I'll stop geeking out...what can I do for you?

CHRISTY: I was actually thinking I could do something for you.  I have a friend of mine visiting Lucky Palms and he's very interested in being a part of some baby challenges...and I was wondering if you wouldn't like to use him?

BONNIE: Really?  Sure!  I actually need a new baby daddy...

CHRISTY: Great, well let me tell you about him...

Her friend's name is Judd Barnette and she tells me he's a hottie.  I make plans to meet him later today.  I also call the local hospital to see if they can do another insemination for me.  So that's taken care of.

It's almost time for the kids to get home from school, so I take Polly to the park next to the school for a bit.

Even with all the playground equipment, she is mostly fascinated by her hand.  Hmph.  Oh well, either way I start swinging while she practices counting.  She is so smart.

When school gets out, Serge sees us.

SERGE: Hey Polly!

POLLY: Serge!  Serge!  Watch!  I can count to five!  1...2...3...5!

SERGE: Way to go!  What happened to 4?

POLLY: It got lost...

Serge and Polly are having so much fun, I almost hate to break it up, but I have to go meet Judd...

BONNIE: Are you ready to go Polly?

She hugs tighter to her brother.

POLLY: No!  I wanna stay with brudder!

SERGE: Yeah, I can take care of her Mom.

BONNIE: No, I want her to go with me.

SERGE: Mom, that's crazy.  What's she going to do when you're in your appointment?  She'll be bored.

BONNIE: I'm sorry, that's just the way things have to be.

SERGE: Come on, I won't let anything happen to her.

BONNIE: I know....but...

POLLY: Please Mommy, please!

Looking at my children, I start thinking maybe everything will be okay.

BONNIE: Okay, but keep an eye out.  If anyone else, I mean ANYONE else comes into the park, I want you to take her home.

SERGE: Okay Mom...geez.

BONNIE: And I only want you all to spend an hour here tops.

SERGE: Okay...

BONNIE: I expect you to be home when I get there...clear?

SERGE: Clear as mud...

BONNIE: Don't be a smart ass.

SERGE: Okay...get out of here!  We'll be fine.

BONNIE: Okay...

Ugh.  Kids.

I quickly head to the theater where I planned to meet Judd.

Christy was right.  He is really cute.

I try not to be rude, but I want to speed this up, so we head right to the hospital.  Thank goodness he already knows the ins and outs of the baby challenge thing.

When I get home, I see Rione, but no Serge...and no Polly.

BONNIE: Ri...where's your brother and sister?

RIONE: You're gonna have to narrow that...which ones?

BONNIE: Serge and Polly...

RIONE: Oh...haven't seen Serge since we got out of school...why?

I lump forms in my throat as I run out the door.

I get back to the park and it's empty.

They're not here...

Panic starts to set in quickly.

Oh Lord, what have I done?

Gen. 2: Who Told You This is Acceptable Behavior?

Know that small hope that Nico wasn't even going to think about the fact that he has a baby?  Yeah, well, that lasted all of twenty minutes...long enough for the local paper to update the website announcing Polanne's birth, because he was immediately calling me, wondering when he can see her.

BONNIE: Um...yeah...sure, Nico, you can see her anytime...just call before you come over so I can have her awake and all that...

NICO: Whateva'

Hmph.  What kind of answer was that?

Unfortunately, I have no time to worry about the Nico situation because my children start screaming at me in excitement and I have to see what all the commotion is about.

And I see a cat they have already named George...

...and another cat by the name of Hazel.  Awesome.

So all the kids keep me so busy that it seems like no time before it's time for Polanne to age up.

Well, thankfully none of her father's side shows up, but her Aunt Gia gives her a whole wardrobe of clothes nicer than the ones I wear.

Polanne looks a lot like me, but she has very dark hair and eyes that must come from her father.

Also thankfully, she is giggly and adorable, and pretty much the light of my life.  It amazes me how such a delightful child could have come from such a wacko.

Late one evening after the kids got off school, I get a text from Brendan asking if I want to catch a movie.  Well, since Adovie and Rione are home and they can baby-sit, I don't see why not, so I text him back that I'll be there in five.

Of course, when I get there, he's nowhere to be found.  When I try his phone, there's no answer, and he's not answering his texts.

Hmph.  How rude.

After waiting fifteen minutes, I decide to screw him and go see the movie by myself.

MEANWHILE, AT HOME...

Rione has just finished his homework and is about to feed Polanne her dinner when there's a knock at the door.

He doesn't even get to it before it swings open.

NICO: Hey!  What's goin' on in here?

Uh-oh.

RIONE: Can I help you sir?

NICO: Yeah, I wanna see my kid.  Where is she?

RIONE: Um...who's your kid?

NICO: You know, she's just a little thing...

RIONE: Um...I'm not so sure about this...how do you know your kid is here?

NICO: Look, don't screw with me, kid.  I know she's here...

RIONE: Sir, my mom's going to be home any minute and then you can talk to her, but I think until then you should leave.

Nico laughs in his face.  I suppose I should be proud of my son for trying to stand up for his family, even though it scares me to think of what Nico could do when he doesn't get his way.
NICO: You do, huh?  Well, I don't think so...
Nico stands tall over Rione and is about to continue his thought when Polanne's voice carries from the living room where she is playing.
Nico smiles devilishly at Rione.
NICO: Well, ain't that somethin?  Sounds like she's right here.

He abandons whatever he was thinking about doing to Rione (thank goodness) and follows the sound of giggling.

NICO: There you are, little girl.

AWHILE LATER...

I come home from my movie and walk into my room not realizing anything is wrong.

Before I can change into my pajamas, I notice something strange on my private patio.

It's Nico.

BONNIE: Nico?  What are you doing here?

I was not prepared for his reaction.

NICO: You listen here, bitch.  I don't want anyone to try and keep me from my daughter again...

BONNIE: Excuse me?  Why don't you watch who you're talking to.

NICO: Oh I see, and all I see is a stupid girl...

BONNIE: Wait a second...I won't have you talking to me in my own house this way...

NICO: You better watch yourself girlie, or you won't have to worry about anyone talking to you any way.

BONNIE: Are you threatening me?

NICO: What do you think?

BONNIE: I think you better leave.

NICO: I'll leave when I finish telling you what I want to tell you. 

BONNIE: Okay...

NICO: Nobody's keeping me from my daughter...no one.  If you try it, you'll regret it.

Something about the look in Nico's eyes terrifies me.

He takes the back way out and leaves.

When he's gone, my first instinct is to check on Polanne.

Thankfully, she is sleeping peacefully in her crib.

Just in case I wasn't scared enough, the next morning I get a call from Nico.

NICO: Remember bitch, whenever I want.

With that, he hangs up the phone.

What have I gotten into?

Gen. 2: Baby 53 Pt. 2: Crazy, I'm Crazy for Feeling Like I Was Lied To

May I introduce you all to the view from my back yard.  Can you say gorgeous?

Anyway...

The day after I had my appointment with Nico to impregnate me with Baby 53, I have a date with Brendan...and of course, I'm nauseous.

BRENDAN: ...so I want to find the biggest, juciest, greasiest burger possible today...I'm starving.

BONNIE: *puke in mouth*

BRENDAN: Hey, you okay babe?  You look a little green.

BONNIE: Oh, yeah, just Italian sperm taking a toll on me.

BRENDAN: Oh, so you...uh...what did you end up doing?

BONNIE: As if you didn't know, traitor...and for the record, in the future, please don't tell my business to other people...

BRENDAN: Oh...yeah, Gia...I'm sorry, babe, I just thought maybe she could pull some strings in the sperm bank or something...and I guess she did, right?  I mean, you're pregnant?

BONNIE: Dude, yes...and I thought you knew...she offered up her brother...

Brendan looks like I just told him I was giving birth to an ostrich.

BRENDAN: Nico??!!!

BONNIE: Yeah, why?

BRENDAN: Bonnie!  Are you crazy?  He's insane!

BRENDAN: What are you talking about?

BRENDAN: He's actually insane...like criminally...he got off on a technicality this last time, but he was certified insane during his last assault charge.

Assault?  Criminal?  Insane?

I think I'm going to faint.

I start to fall back and Brendan catches me.

BONNIE: Why didn't you tell me?

BRENDAN: Because I didn't know, obviously.  I never would have let you use Nico...he really is..well, let's just say unstable.

BONNIE: Can I get a restraining order?

BRENDAN: Won't help...

BONNIE: Why not?

BRENDAN: Trust me...

BONNIE: Well, what am I going to do?  How am I going to protect myself...and my kids?

BRENDAN: Baby, I promise you, I will do whatever I can to keep you and your kids safe.  I promise.

BONNIE: That's sweet hon, but can't we get a 'round the clock security detail?

BRENDAN: Let's just hope Nico forgets all about it.

Despite my worries about carrying a mentally unstable person's child, I have to continue with life normally for the rest of my kids.

Which of course, means birthdays...

Rione ages up to look just like his father, with his hair and everything.

Adovie looks like Spencer too, and both of them are so smart.

Being pregnant with Nico's child has made Brendan want to stay around even more...which I am definitely not complaining about.

...and my belly just keeps growing.

I find myself talking to my bump a lot this time, basically begging crazy not to be genetic.

Ultimately, whatever is going to happen is inevitable though, and that includes when my labor starts.

After a relatively short labor, I give birth to Baby 53: Polanne Reed.

Gen. 2: Baby 53 Pt. 1: Getting in Bed With the Wrong Person

Our first day in the new house is very relaxing.  I miss our old house for so many reasons.  1) The location was gorgeous, right on the beach, secluded, perfect for a quiet, outdoorsy person like myself.  2) My Meemaw Zoey made the house and I knew there was no way I could find a house that came even close to how gorgeous that was.  She has unparalleled talents, let me tell you.

Having said all that, the big problem I had with that location was that because it was so secluded, my kids had to hike out to the side of the road and wait for the bus instead of just running out when it honked, like they can do now.  Of course, that means that Rione and Adovie can spend time goofing off before school.

BONNIE: Are you kids ready to go?

RIONE: Yes Mom!  Geez!  Don't have a cow.

BONNIE: Right, I'll have two unruly children instead...do you want breakfast?

ADOVIE: I'm too excited to eat...

*Eye roll*  Okay, if these two didn't look so much like Spencer, I would swear they gave me the wrong babies at the hospital.  Excited for school, not wanting to eat...weirdos.

Either way, when the bus comes, they just run right outside, no screaming about missing it, no frantically running around trying to find their lunches, it's just peaceful.  I don't know how to handle it.  I think I have become conditioned to run around frantically in the morning.

While the older kids are at school, I work with Serge and Julianna to finish up with their skills. I want to age them up today, and thankfully, it looks like that's going to happen.

Serge picks up talking quickly, and seems to have a lot of opinions about things, which is no surprise given he's a part Reed, part Everard child. 

Julianna picks up talking pretty easily as well, although she was much better at walking.

Finally, I am able to age them up!

Serge has my hair color and looks a whole lot like my mother.  He has her big bright eyes, which makes me miss her.  I'm going to have to visit her soon!

Julianna looks a lot like my mom as well, but she has Jesse's brown hair and light skin.

Both kids are good to go and ready for school the next day.

THE NEXT DAY...

Because I don't have any time to meet him, I just call Brendan on the phone...yes, in the bathroom.  Hey, I'm a mother...this is the only place I get any privacy!

I am on my own for the day and realize that I'm going to have to find another baby daddy soon...but I feel weird about it...dating Brendan and all...ugh...this is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be...of course I could just go the artificial insemination route...

BONNIE: What is your opinion of sperm donors?

BRENDAN: Um...they really have their future in the palm of their hands...

Break for insane laughter...from him.

BONNIE: Did you notice something missing from that joke?

BRENDAN: No...

BONNIE: It was laughter...that's what it was.

BRENDAN: Ouch!  That's harsh, Reed!

BONNIE: Any-way...I was thinking more along the lines of me using them now...ya' know...since we're dating...

BRENDAN: I don't know what's creepier...you sleeping with some guy, or using a sperm donor that could have an extra toe for all you know.

BONNIE: They do background checks...and...ugh...never mind.

This conversation is going nowhere...I guess it's up to me to decide.

Since I don't have any little kids at home, I can get out of the house without having to listen to screaming and whining, so I take a walk and end up in this beautiful park...with a wishing well.

Looking at the well, I figure I have nothing to lose.

"I wish for a baby daddy."

There goes my quarter.  And that was a quarter, so it better come true....ugh, I am too cheap.

I hang around the park for a little bit, then realize I'm bored, so I decide to head to the library...I think I saw one somewhere around here.

As I walk up the stairs to the entrance, I immediately regret my decision when I see none other than Ms. Gia Esposito standing at the top in almost nothing...who wears this to the library?

GIA: Bonnie!  What a surprise!

*kiss, kiss, fake, fake*

BONNIE: I feel exactly the same Gia, how are you?

GIA: Oh, the same as always, just having an afternoon workout...

(the bitch)

GIA: ...then I got a call from Brendan and he told me all about your challenge...

BONNIE: He wha...?

GIA: Yeah, and he was saying you were looking for a father for your next baby, and how you weren't wanting to have a random hookup, but sperm donations just seem weird...and I don't blame you, I mean, we're in a city where people are strapped for money all the time...you don't even want to know what kind of guys they let into the sperm bank here...ewww.

BONNIE: Yeah.

GIA: Well, I have an idea...I know you don't know this, but I have a brother...

BONNIE: A brother?

GIA: Yes, and a father, actually...and, well, I don't want to brag, but we have exceptional genes...

BONNIE: Um...so...does he understand the whole thing about me raising the child?  He can have contact, but that's it...

GIA: Oh, of course, Nico doesn't have any interest in being a father right now.

BONNIE: Nico, huh?

GIA: Yes, so this way, you can kind of at least know who the donor is...

BONNIE: Um...well, and Brendan is okay with it?

GIA: Ha!  Well, I would assume so, he came to me for help, didn't he?  What was I going to do?  Give you my own sperm?  Haha!

BONNIE: ew...

GIA: Of course, I know my genes would be ideal, but Nico's will have to do.

BONNIE: Um...

GIA: Oh come on, Bonnie, just say yes...

BONNIE: Um...

GIA: Good enough for me!  Nico!  Come here!  This is Bonnie!

Both Nico and Senior Esposito have receding hairlines, but I won't hold that against them...

I guess Nico Esposito is going to be my next baby daddy.

...I keep thinking I'm going to regret this.