A Creative Collaborative Effort

This was a running, round robin...creative collaborative effort that Colleen started on the message board on Kris Voelker's page. Unfortunately, it was never finished, and now Kris's old page is long gone. (Kris can be found on the Friends of Jane site, where they have their own interactive section!) Various authors have contributed, including Colleen, me, Meredith, Dan, Annie, and the famous Anonymous! I may eventually finish it myself, or if anyone would like to finish it, please email me, and you can go ahead! First come, first served!
Enjoy the Creative Effort!

The scene: Colleen is preparing dinner for her husband, Andrew, as he reads the newspaper. Colleen appears to be mixing something, but her mind is far from the night's dinner. She has something on her mind that she wants to tell Andrew, but she isn't sure how he'll react. . .

It's been a long day. Andrew was very busy today at his new job working at a clinic with 3 other doctors. Colleen decides that what she wants to talk to Andrew about should wait until after dinner. Maybe then he'll be more receptive......

After dinner, and throughout the rest of the evening, Colleen waited for the right time to talk to Andrew about what was on her mind. It never came. Finally, when Colleen and Andrew had gone to bed, Andrew said, "Colleen, you've been awfully quiet tonight. Is anything wrong? "

"No...nothing." Colleen said softly. "It can wait. Good night, Andrew." she said, as she turned away so he wouldn't see her tears. "Good night, Colleen." Andrew said. Tomorrow he was determined to find out what Colleen was keeping from him.

Colleen tried to sleep that night, but she was restless.

"You what!" Andrew screamed from the top of his lungs. "I can't believe you. This is what I've been wanting all my life and you couldn't give it to me. Good Bye Colleen," he said and started to open the door, carrying his suit case in his left hand."

"Noooooooooooooooo." Colleen sat up in bed screaming.

"Colleen, it's OK," comforted the awakened Andrew. "It was just a dream."

"No, Andrew, it wasn't just a dream. It was a sign. Andrew, there's something that I must tell you..."

:Before Colleen can answer, that thought occurs in her mind and she bursts into tears. Andrew sits up and gently reaches for Colleen's hand. He says, "Colleen, you know you can tell me anything." Colleen's eyes are now filled with tears, so Andrew pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her tears away.

After Colleen calms down a bit, she starts to speak. "Andrew, I don't know how to say this to you . . . I had this dream that I couldn't have children!" At these last few words, she burst into tears again. A concerned look comes over Andrew's face and he says, "What makes you think that? Is there something I can do? Do you need me to examine you? I'll do all that I can to help you get through this . . ."

Colleen pulls herself together and realizes she's been silly not to talk to Andrew. He's her husband & he loves her with all of his heart. She can tell him anything and she knows it. She takes a deep breath, exhales slowly, and begins, "Andrew, I've been thinking about starting a family. I know I just started medical school, & you're just getting adjusted to your new job at the clinic, but it's been on my mind so much lately that I just have to talk to you about it. And now on top of everything I have this dream that I can't even have children & that you'd leave me if I couldn't. I know that's ridiculous, but, Andrew, what do you think about all this?"

Andrew replies, "Colleen, if something is bothering you, don't be afraid to tell me. Why are you afraid that you can't have children?" An embarrassed look falls over Colleen's face.

"Well, um, Andrew, I've been thinking about starting a family and . . ." She hesitates, but Andrew begs her to continue, "Please, Colleen, go on." "Well, I haven't been feeling well lately."

Andrew suddenly says, "Aww, Colleen, why didn't you tell me?"

"You were busy at the clinic and I didn't want to bother you about it. It's probably nothing anyway," she hurriedly replies.

Andrew responds with, "I'm never too busy for you. You're more important to me than anything in the world. What do you mean by not feeling well? What's wrong?"

After Andrew asks Colleen about her problem, she takes a deep breath and begins. "Well, um, I don't know how to tell you this. You know the whole thing about not being able to have children? Well, it's true. I didn't know until a few days ago - Dr. Mike examined me. I'm so embarrassed - I didn't know how to break it to you. I know how badly you wanted to have children, but . . ."

Colleen breaks off and bursts into tears again. Andrew comforts her by saying, "Aww, Colleen, it doesn't matter to me if we have children. We could always adopt, but that's beside the point. The point is that all I want to do is be with you . . . I can't live without you . . ."

Andrew asks Colleen, "Did you talk to Dr. Mike about this? Did she examine you?" Colleen hesitates and says, "Well, um, I did talk to her, but . . . she hasn't examined me yet. I have an appointment with her tomorrow." Andrew then replies, "Colleen, I'm taking off from work to go with you. I can't let you do this alone. . ."

"No, Andrew, the clinic needs you. It's not that important . . ." Colleen trails off. "I don't want you to be alone, Colleen," Andrew says as he reaches for a tissue to give to his wife.

Andrew asks Colleen, "Would you mind if I went with you to the clinic tomorrow?" Colleen replies, "Well, um, I thought you'd be too busy . . . but if you want to come . . ." "Of course I want to come; I love you, Colleen," Andrew says as he embraces her. It is now near midnight, so Andrew suggests that they both turn in for the night.

It was a long time before either Colleen or Andrew were able to sleep. Colleen and Andrew both wanted so much to be parents one day.

"There must be something that can be done. Colleen is young, strong...and otherwise healthy." Andrew couldn't help thinking. "I will not accept it. Even from Michaela."

He looked over at Colleen, whom he thought was sleeping, (but was really awake and thinking just like him) and immediately felt guilty about his previous thought. "No, it's up to Colleen.", he decided. "If she can accept not having children, so can I. But if there's anything we can do, then we will find it."

At the same time, Colleen was thinking about her inability to have children. "What if Ma says that I can't have children for sure? What will Andrew think? Should we adopt? Will Andrew consider leaving me?" Then she declares, "Andrew won't leave me . . . what am I saying?" After finally clearing her mind, she decides to try to get some sleep.

The next day, Colleen and Andrew rise bright and early. On the way to Michaela's clinic, Andrew comforts Colleen by saying, "Listen, Colleen, whatever happens, we can handle it. I won't love you any less than I do now. Trust me . . . don't worry." Andrew knew Colleen was still nervous when she squeezed his hand.

"Colleen, Andrew, hello," Michaela says as Andrew and his wife enter the clinic. "Michaela, Colleen just told me last night what was going on . . . and I'm willing to support her every step of the way. Just tell me what to do." Michaela answers, "Well, for now, Andrew, I must examine her, so I ask that you step outside for a while. I'll let you know when I'm finished." Andrew hesitates but agrees to leave after considering how difficult this must be for Colleen.

Outside the clinic, Andrew takes a seat on the bench and Sully approaches him. "What brings you here, Andrew?" Sully asks. Andrew replies, "Didn't Michaela tell you about Colleen? She's examining her right now . . ." Sully remembers and replies, "Michaela told me, but I didn't expect you to be here with her. I thought you'd be working at the clinic." "No, Colleen needs me more . . ." Andrew utters.

Meanwhile, Michaela talks to Colleen before she begins preparation for the examination. She says, "Now, Colleen, I want you to know that I'm always here for you if you want to talk. I realize that there are some things you may not want to discuss with Andrew . . ." "Thanks, Ma," Colleen responds. "I know this is difficult for you, but I also know that Andrew will be with you every step of the way," Michaela continues, "and there's no need to be afraid. Well, I guess we should get started with the examination.

Michaela goes to the window, its curtains wide open, peeks out at the rest of the town, then quickly closes the curtains. After doing so, she obtains a white robe from one of her closets. "Here, Colleen, put this on . . ." she says as she hands it to her over the changing stall. "Ok, Ma . . ." Colleen replies as she begins to undress behind the stall in Michaela's clinic. After Colleen undresses and throws her clothes over top of the stall, she comes out for the examination, attempting to keep her robe closed. "Colleen, it's ok . . . don't worry. I won't hurt you," Michaela reassures her.

"I need you to lie flat on the examining table," Dr. Mike instructs her. As Colleen does so, Michaela reaches for her stethoscope. "Well, I can tell you one good thing so far, Colleen," Dr. Mike says and smiles, "your heartbeat is normal." Colleen is apparently too nervous to laugh, so Michaela says, "Colleen, there's no need to be tense . . . I won't hurt you."

Colleen says, "Ma, you don't understand. I don't want Andrew to be disappointed in me! If I can't have children, what kind of mother am I?" Michaela replies, "Believe me, I understand more than you give me credit for. I know Andrew, and I know he won't think any less of you if you can't have children." Colleen admits, "I guess so."

"Now, Colleen, I'm going to do a thorough examination now. If anything hurts you, please tell me." Colleen takes a deep breath and replies, "Sure, Ma."

Dr. Mike spends several minutes examining Colleen. Colleen lays there, numerous thoughts racing through her mind. Finally after what seems like an eternity, Dr. Mike looks Colleen right in the eye, smiles and says gently, "Colleen, I have good news. I find nothing that will prevent you from having children. In fact, you're pregnant!"

Colleen is so ecstatic that she jumps up from the examining table, hugging Dr. Mike uncontrollably. Colleen's trying to hold her robe closed while hugging Michaela. Dr. Mike tries desperately to calm her down. "But Ma, I'm so happy! Wait! I have to tell Andrew . . ." Before Michaela can insist that Colleen change before she tells Andrew, Colleen has already bolted out the door.

There is Andrew, still seated on the bench outside the clinic. When Colleen races out of the clinic, Andrew jumps up, alarmed.

"What's the matter, Colleen?"

Colleen hugs him and said, "Nothing, Andrew. We're having a baby!"

While Colleen and Andrew are celebrating the good news, Dorothy Jennings comes by and asks about the excitement. "Dorothy, Ma just told me that I'm pregnant!" Suddenly, Dorothy drops a book she is holding, rushes toward Colleen and says, "Congratulations, Colleen. I know you and Andrew will be very happy."

Andrew, noticing the stares of the passersby, says, "Colleen, I think you should change now. I'll wait here." Taking his advice, Colleen rushes inside, changes, and returns a few minutes later, wearing the dress that Michaela had bought her for medical school.

Andrew suddenly considers the thought of being a father and his stomach feels queasy. Colleen, on the other hand, is too busy to notice. She keeps saying to Andrew, "I've always wanted a little girl. Can we name her Jacquelyn? What if we have a boy? I'd love to name him Andrew . . ." Her husband, however, does not hear Colleen's utterances. The thought of being responsible for another human life intimidates him. Wait, Andrew thinks to himself, I've been responsible for many lives. I'm a doctor . . . being responsible for one more life shouldn't be that bad..."

Andrew pushes the butterflies in his stomach aside and suddenly realizes what great news this really is. Here they thought that perhaps Colleen couldn't have children and now she can. Being a father does seem overwhelming, but he realizes that having children with Colleen is such a wonderful thing, he can't help but be happy about it.

Meanwhile, at Grace's cafe, Matthew is sitting at a table alone lingering over a cup of coffee. Suddenly, a shadow falls upon him and he hears a familiar voice say, "Hey there stranger." Matthew looks up, smiles, and says, "Emma?"

Matthew quickly stands up, "Emma, what are doing here? I can't believe it's you. Where's Gilda St. Clair?"

Emma laughs softly, "Gilda's still traveling the world, it was fun, I saw so many places I could have only dreamed of seeing if I hadn't met her, but I missed Colorado Springs too, so I'm back." Matthew is overjoyed to see her & invites her to sit down. "Won't you join me for a cup of coffee?" he says. "I'd love to Matthew." Emma responds.

Meanwhile, back at the clinic, Dr. Mike, Sully, Andrew, Colleen, & Dorothy are still excited about the good news. "Let's all go over to Grace's and celebrate!!" An ecstatic Colleen states. "Great idea." replies Sully. "Just let me close up the clinic & then we can go." Dr. Mike says. "Oh, someone go over to Loren's store & tell Brian, he's over there with Katie." Dr. Mike adds. "I will." Dorothy quickly says. "Oh I'm so excited!!" Colleen beams. Andrew smiles and thinks to himself, I'm the luckiest man on earth.

Dorothy enters Loren's store & finds Brian holding Katie & talking with Loren & the Reverend. "Oh guess what, I have wonderful news." Exclaims Dorothy

"What is it?" Inquires Loren.

"Brian, your sister is going to have a baby!" Dorothy says.

"Really? You mean I'm going to be an uncle?" Brian says enthusiastically.

"Yes!" Dorothy replies. "Your Ma & Sully and Colleen & Andrew & I are all going over to Grace's to celebrate."

"That's wonderful news." The Reverend says.

"Congratulations are in order, let's all go to Grace's." Loren responds.

The group from Loren's store meets up with Dr. Mike, Sully, Andrew & Colleen.

"Colleen!" Brian calls out.

"Brian!" Colleen responds then runs over and gives him a big hug. "I heard your news. I'm so happy for you!" Brian says.

"Thank you Brian! I just couldn't be happier!" Colleen says.

The group continues on to Grace's and sits down at a table. They are so wrapped up in the moment that they don't even notice Matthew & Emma who appear very wrapped up in their own conversation.

Emma sits, attentively listening to Matthew talk about everything that's happened since she's been gone. She wants to tell him that she came back because of him, but she wants it to be the right moment. A day hasn't gone by that she hasn't thought about him, about how handsome he is, about the special way she feels when she's with him, and about how she loves him. She only hopes he will feel the same way about her.

Meanwhile, Brian says to Colleen, "What are you gonna name the baby?"

"Well, we haven't really thought about it," Andrew replies, "but I'm sure we'd name him Brian. If the baby's a girl, we might consider Brianna." Brian's face lights up and he says, "Really? Did you hear that, Ma?"

Michaela appears to be out in space. She focuses on Matthew and Emma. "Colleen, isn't that Emma over there with Matthew?"

Colleen replies, "Emma's back?" as she runs toward their table. "I'll have to tell her the news."

Colleen calls out, "Matthew! Emma!" as she races toward their table.

"Emma! I'm so glad to see you! When did you get back? Matthew, Emma, guess what?! I have wonderful news!!" Colleen says breathlessly.

"Hold on Colleen." Matthew says with a grin, as he glances momentarily at Emma, then looks back at Colleen. "You're out of breath."

"I know." Colleen says with a huge smile. "But I have something to tell you. Andrew & I are going to have a baby!"

Matthew stands up excitedly and gives Colleen a big hug. "That's great!" He says.

"Congratulations Colleen!" Emma says. "Matthew told me you were an old married woman now."

"Oh yes." Colleen says in jest. "Emma, I'm so glad to see you. Is Gilda St. Clair in town?"

"No, she's in Italy right now. I, I'm not working for her anymore. I missed Colorado Springs too much." Emma says, looking Matthew right in the eye when she said the part about missing Colorado Springs. Matthew noticed Emma's look & the sound of her voice when she said that.

Could she still have feelings for him? Now that he had seen her again Matthew couldn't deny that he had missed her & would definitely like to spend some time with her. Who knows where it would lead.

"Oh, well I'm glad you're back. I'm sure the town has missed you too, you're such a gifted seamstress." Colleen says. "Come say hi to Ma & everyone."

"Yes." Emma says. "I will. It will be nice to see everyone again."

Colleen, Emma, & Matthew head over to the table where everyone else is gathered. Everyone seems surprised to see Emma, but overall she is given a warm reception.

Loren states, "Well now that you're back I suppose you'll be wanting your old job back."

"Well actually," Emma begins, "I was able to save a considerable amount of money while I was working for Gilda. So my plan was to open up my own dress shop."

"That's fantastic!" Colleen says. "I'll be needing some dresses to wear during my pregnancy."

Matthew looks admiringly at Emma. She really did it, he thinks to himself. Her dream is on the verge of coming true. "I'm really proud of you." He tells her.

"Thanks." Emma replies softly.

"Emma, won't you join us for dinner tonight?" Dr. Mike says. "I'd love to." Emma says.

Meanwhile, out of town a ways, Jake Slicker is putting the finishing touches on his new house. His wife Teresa is standing looking at the beautiful new house in awe.

"Oh Jake!" She says, "It's so beautiful! I love you so much. You've given me so much.

Now I have something to tell you." "Oh really?" replies Jake, "And what would that be?" Jake says as he holds Teresa in his arms & looks lovingly into her eyes. Teresa begins. "Well......."

Emma accompanies Matthew and Colleen to the clinic while the other townies continue with their regular business. "Emma, I must say, you haven't changed a bit,"

Michaela says when she sees her. "How's Katie?" Emma asks Colleen's mother.

"She's doing very well, thank you," Dr. Mike replies. "How would you like to come to the homestead for dinner tonight?"

Emma answers, "Oh, that would be wonderful. I have so much catching up to do with everyone, especially Matthew."

At this, she turns to Matthew and winks at him. His face turns red, and he smiles coyly. Michaela says, "Ok, it's set. I'll see you around 7:00," as Emma and Matthew leave the clinic.

"Goodbye, Dr. Mike," Emma chants as Matthew follows her.

Teresa continues, "Jake, I never thought I would tell another person this, but the feelings I have for you surpass the feelings I had for my first husband. I can't express in words the love I feel for you. And this house! Look at it! It's so beautiful! You have made me so happy!"

Jake kisses Teresa tenderly and thinks to himself that she is what makes his life worth living.

Meanwhile back in town, Matthew & Emma walk toward the Gold Nugget where Emma is staying temporarily. "Matthew, I have something to tell you & I hope you like what it is that I say to you."

Emma begins. "Well I guess I won't know that unless you tell me what it is." Matthew says & smiles.

Emma smiles back & laughs nervously. "Matthew, I've been doing a lot of thinking since I've been gone, about us and the way things used to be. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was you that helped me to realize I could do so much more with my life than what I was. I guess that's partly why I left. I wanted to see that big old world out there and see what it held for me. But, after being away from Colorado Springs, after being away from you, I realized that everything I wanted was right here. I love you Matthew. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Listening to her pour her heart out Matthew suddenly has feelings for Emma he never even realized were there. "I love you too." He says softly, then slowly leans toward her to kiss her.

"I'm so glad you came back." He says gently right before their lips meet.

Back at Sully & Dr. Mike's homestead, Dr. Mike & Colleen begin the dinner preparations. Dr. Mike wants to talk to Colleen about how this baby will affect her medical schooling, but Colleen is still glowing from finding out about the pregnancy that she can't bring herself to it.

"How long will you two be in town?" Dr. Mike asks.

"Andrew has to be back to work next week. I wish we could stay longer. Philadelphia just isn't the same as Colorado Springs. My classes start up again next week also."

Colleen says. "How's school going? " Dr. Mike inquires.

"Oh, fine. It's challenging."

Colleen stops & has a far away look on her face like she's thinking deeply about something.

"Colleen? Is everything ok?" Dr. Mike asks.

"Well, Ma, no, there's something I need to tell you. Um . . . I'm thinking about dropping out of medical school."

A blank stare comes over Michaela's face as Colleen had expected.

"Colleen, why? I thought your dream was to be a doctor. If you don't want to be a doctor, I understand, but why did you waste all this time in medical school?"

Colleen answers, "Well, Ma, I've met someone . . ." and cuts herself short.

"Met someone?" Michaela said, stunned. "...but what about Andrew? Your marriage? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Colleen looked back at Michaela, suddenly just as horrified. "Oh, no, Ma! It's nothing like that! How could you even think...!?!"

Colleen's face flushed and tears came to her eyes. Michaela responded,

"I'm sorry, Colleen. I didn't mean... it's just that I know you must be under a lot of stress...and sometimes we find...improper ways to deal with it..."

Colleen forced herself to calm down. She knew her mother didn't mean to hurt her.

"No...I met...a woman. A doctor. She was married to a doctor while she was still in school. They had a baby...no, two children. By the time she graduated, her marriage was pretty much over. She was divorced a year later."

Colleen paused, the tears welling up again. "Oh, Ma! I don't want that to happen to me and Andrew!"

"Colleen you know how supportive Andrew is of your dreams & aspirations." Dr. Mike began. "I'm sure that would never happen."

"I know Andrew wants me to do whatever makes me happy, but I feel like I'm neglecting him, and especially now with a baby coming, I'm just not sure medical school is the right decision. I want to be there for Andrew, all the time. Medical school takes up practically all my time. I just don't know how I can do it and take care of a baby. Plus, I really miss Colorado Springs. We both do." Colleen says.

"So what are you saying?" Dr. Mike inquires.

"I'm saying I want to quit medical school, and Andrew & I want to move back to Colorado Springs." Colleen says with determination.

"Well, of course we'd love to have you closer to home, but Colleen are you sure this is what you want to do?" Dr. Mike asks.

"Positive." Andrew says, walking into the room. "We talked about it on the way out here, and decided that even if Colleen wasn't pregnant we would still move back to Colorado Springs. Colleen just hasn't been happy lately and if she's not happy, then I'm not happy. In fact, I just got back from the chateau, and the new owner offered me my old job back. I understand he's had an exceedingly difficult time trying to find a permanent doctor."

"Yes that's true." Michaela begins. "I've been filling in when I can, but the chateau definitely needs a good doctor & apparently you're the one.

Congratulations." Michaela smiles briefly but turns away before Andrew & Colleen can see the disappointment on her face.

"Oh Andrew! That's wonderful! We're home! We're home to stay!"

Colleen embraces Andrew, then looks into his eyes. "You've made me very happy, this is the most wonderful day of my life!"

That night at dinner Colleen chatters eagerly about all the exciting events of the day. Everyone but Michaela appears thrilled that Andrew & Colleen will be moving back to Colorado Springs. Michaela sits quietly while conversation takes place around her.

"Emma, when are you going to open your dress shop?" Colleen inquires.

"I'll have to find a place first." Emma answers.

"There's an empty building in town." Brian offers

"Yea, I saw it too." Matthew adds. "It would be the perfect size. It's not too big but there would be plenty of room for sewing & stuff."

"I'll look at it tomorrow." Emma responds.

After dinner, Matthew leaves to take Emma back to town. "I'll meet you tomorrow & we can check out that place in town." Matthew says.

"That will be wonderful Matthew, you know this has been my dream for a long time, & I'm so happy that it's on the verge of coming true. I just hope you'll be by my side to watch it all happen." Emma says.

"Of course I will." Matthew says. "There's no place I'd rather be."

When Emma, Matthew, and Brian leave, Colleen asks Michaela, "Ma, what's wrong? I thought you'd be happy that we're moving back to Colorado Springs?"

Michaela answers, "Well, Colleen. It's not that I don't want you around . . . I would love to be able to see you, Andrew, and my new grandchild every day, but . . ."

"Ma, what is it?" Colleen prompts her.

"Well, Colleen, I guess I'm just disappointed that you went through all that schooling and you don't want to be a doctor anymore . . ."

When Colleen said that she's giving up medical school, Michaela asked her, "Why didn't you tell me sooner, Colleen?"

Colleen replies, "Well, I guess . . . I didn't want to hurt your feelings . . ."

Colleen says, "Well, Ma, I know how it was your dream for me to go to medical school, but . . . I really don't want to be a doctor. I hope it doesn't hurt your feelings."

Michaela replies, "Colleen, you mean to tell me that you only did this for me? I thought you truly wanted to be a doctor! It's your life . . . you should be who you want to be when you want to be. Don't let me influence your decision. I want you to be happy. . ."

Dr. Mike ends by hugging Colleen and asks, "May I ask what career you would like to pursue?"

Colleen answers, "Well, um, I was talking with a friend of mine I met in Boston and she was telling me about her career. I really think I'd like to do something like it!"