Liz walked around the room making sure everyhting was perfect. Lucky would be home soon. Nik was bringing him home from the hospital, Luke and Laura were going to surprise him here.
The cake was placed on the table. It said "Welcome Home Lucky!" on it in big letters. Liz made sure she had enough plates and forks for everyone.
Liz and Lulu had prepared a banner. It hung above the bed. It said simply, "We love you Lucky" and they had illustrated it with photos and drawings.
Luke, Laura and Lulu let themsleves into the apartment. "we're not late are we?" Luke asked, "we want to be here to surprise him."
"I'm not sure he'll be all that surprised," Liz laughed, "I'm sure Nik is filling him all in in the car right now."
"And the secret smiles, adn giggling Lulu has done whenever Lucky mentioned coming home, didn't give anyhting away did it sweetheart?" Laura said to Lulu, tickling her.
"I didn't tell Lucky, just like you said mommy," Lulu said defensively.
"We know darling," Luke said, twirling her around the room, "and we're real proud."
Lulu laughed hysterically as she and Luke spun around the room. Liz watched at Lu's joyous expression, thinking about how she never had that kind relationship with her father.
She swore to herself taht her child would grow up in a loving, stable environment. But, as she glanced around the apartment, she sighed. They were 16 years old, not rich. Their apartment was barely big enugh for them, let alone a child. What would they do? Waitressing wages wouldn't get them a bigger place, and Lucky's job, well, the less he did of that the better.
As Luke and Lulu quited down Liz heard a knock on the door. "Liz, it's us!" Nik called.
"Come in," she called, motioning the Spencers to be quiet.
As the door opened she could hear Lucky mumbling about having to get permission to enter his own apartment.
"Surprise!" everyone yelled as Lucky pushed the door all the way open.
To his credit he actually managed to look surprised, "For me?"
"Yes silly," Lulu squeeled, running up to him, "it's a surprise."
Lucky scooped her up in his arms,"It is a surprise Lulu. You guys really didn't have to do all this for me."
"Yeah, we know," Liz said, kissing him on the cheek, "but you know you love the attention."
"Come on Lucky," Lulu spurred him on as he became distracted looking at Liz,"Cake!"
"Lucky you really should put her down," laura said, anxiously,"You shouldn't be lifting her, she's too heavy for you right now."
"No I'm not," Lulu pouted, "Lucky's big and strong."
"You may be right Lulu," Liz said, lifting her from Lucky's arms,"but Lucky's still sick. As soon as he's all better he'll be happy to give you a piggyback ride or something."
"Let's eat!" Luke said enthusiastically and everyone laughed.
As Nik cut the cake Lucky sat down heavily on the bed. Liz sat beside him, putting an arm on his shoulder,"You okay Lucky? If you're too tired we can send them home."
"No Liz, I'm fine. It was just a momentary thing. It's passed now." he said, trying to convince her, although he felt faint.
"You sure Lucky? We don't want to risk you rejecting the pancreas." Liz hovered over him.
"it's okay Liz, now let's enjoy ourselves." Lucky smiled reassuringly.
****************************************************
As the last person left Liz lay, exhausted, on the bed, Lucky beside her.
"man," she said,"I'm tired, and I didn't just have major surgery."
"it's amazing how much energy kids can have, especially when they're jammed into little places." Lucky said. lulu had started a spirited game of tag in the apartment earlier.
Liz thought of their child, how energetic it would be. This apartment wasn't going to be big enough. How was she supposed to broach the subject with Lucky? She didn't want him to feel depressed he couldn't do more.
"Are you okay with tomorrow?" he asked,"with the funeral and all. I haven't been there for you Liz, I don't know how your coping."
"I'm okay Lucky, really I am. It still hurts, but i'm dealing." she turned towards him.
"I'm sorry Liz, that i couldn't help you out more. Between Audreys death and your parents I haven't been there for you." Lucky told her apologetically.
"How can you apologize Lucky? You were in the hopsital. You were still here for me anyway. Just because you weren't here physically all the time doesn't mean you didn't help." Liz said, trying not to let him feel guilty.
"Whats yuor plan for tomorrow liz? the funeral starts at 2 o'clock doesn't it?"
"Yeah, but I need to do something first. You see, Grams house will probably be left to my parents so i have some things there to do before they sell it off,I neeed to clear out my stuff. And.." she said softly," I need to say goodbye
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