The Eyes of a Child

Fandom: Popular

Series: Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

Title: The Eyes of a Child

Author: Carla

Rating: PG

Pairing: Nic/Carmen

Disclaimers: Technically not mine, but the truth is I feel sort of proprietary toward them these days. Honestly I think at this point I’ve written this series for longer than Popular was actually on. I also think I’ve done a more in depth job but I’d take that with a grain of salt, as I am extremely potted at this time and thus prone to fits of grandiosity.

All original characters are mine as is the actual fic.

Archiving: Long ago Kim, over at the Realm, claimed the "privilege". Truthfully the ‘privilege is mine and I don’t thank her nearly enough for it. http://www.realmoftheshadow.com/carla.htm

Feedback: I find I am partial to it so if you are inclined to give it please feel free to do so either on or off list at cmfloresfd@yahoo.com

A/N: I strongly suggest you first re-read The Adventure Begins. This fic would take place five to six months after that one, which in turn takes place approximately two and a half years after the final third of Collateral Damage: Undertow.

Any and all mistakes are mine and mine alone. I take full faith credit.

Enjoy

"Nicole?"

Nicole looked up from the paperwork on her desk to see Javier standing in the doorway to her study. She took her glasses off, stood and hurriedly crossed the room to give the young man a hug. "Javi when did you get in?"

"About an hour ago. I’ve been with Mom and Carmen in the garden. Carmen looks good, when is she due? It must be soon right?"

"Well if it doesn’t happen in the next day or two then they’ll induce her on Tuesday."

"Boy or girl?"

"Don’t know I want to be surprised. Come sit down. You look like you need to talk. What’s going on? Problems at school?"

"No nothing like that."

"So things are better with your roommate because if you still want we’ll get you a single for next semester."

"No David and I worked things out. Besides one more semester and I’m done."

"A half year early. We’re proud of you Javi."

They were sitting on the sofa by this time and Nicole reached out to ruffle his hair. Proud was an understatement he’d been an extraordinary child in Nicole’s opinion, smart and articulate beyond his years. She’d been more than happy to pay for his education at the finest private schools in Manhattan where they’d moved for Carmen’s first job. When at 13, in his freshman year of high school, he’d announced that the following year he wanted to go to Simon’s Rock she’d supported him wholeheartedly. He had excelled there as well, proving himself a dedicated student, earning top grades and the admiration and respect of his classmates who’d elected him class president.

"So what’s the matter? Girl troubles?"

"You could say that…you can’t tell Mom yet. I haven’t told her. "

"How much do you need?"

"I don’t need money. It’s too late for that anyway."

"How far along is she?"

"Eight months."

"Oh Javi…Sweetie what…why didn’t you come to me sooner?"

"It’s not easy getting out here. And its not like I could hop on a train and come for the weekend." Once he’d started at Simon’s Rock they’d moved back to the West Coast, intent on starting their own family, Donna of course had come with them.

"True. So tell me."

"Her name is Evelyn Peters…" Nicole interrupted him.

"The Chairman of the Board of Trustees daughter?"

"His niece, we’ve been sorta seeing each other this last semester."

"Longer than that I’d say."

"No it’s not mine. She used to go out with my friend, Richard and now he’s living up to the nickname you know…he won’t be a man and take responsibility. And I thought maybe you and Carmen you know…"

"Have you talked to her about this, does she even know that you’re talking to me about this?"

"Yes. She came with me."

"She’s here then?"

"She’s staying with some friends in Silverlake. I thought it would be best if I spoke to you and Carmen first before bringing her here. I mean I know you guys are going to be having your own soon but," he shrugged his shoulders. "I thought perhaps another."

"I see."

"You guys would be perfect Nic and it’s important to Evie that she know the family that’s going to raise her baby. And you guys are going to be the best moms I know it. You were like my ‘other mother’s’ you know. And more importantly for Evie I know you both have it in your hearts to open your family to two more."

"So she’s looking for an open adoption then?"

"Yes. She’s a nice girl. Granted she’s not the girl I’m going to marry but I’m not even 18 you know. Evie is a good friend though."

"Obviously Carmen…"

"Of course."

"Why don’t you bring her by tomorrow, for lunch and some time by the pool. Of course she’s welcome to spend the rest of the vacation here if you’d like. This is your home you know, your friends are always welcome."

"I’ll ask her. You’ll talk…" Nicole cut him off with a pat on the knee.

"Could you ask Carm to come in here. Perhaps you should take this opportunity to speak with your mother."

Javier stood, at 6’2" he loomed over Nicole now and suddenly she felt old, though the truth was that she was not quite 29. It was hard to reconcile the young man she had to look up at with the little boy who’d first climbed into her lap eleven years ago. They hugged, Nicole disappearing in his arms.

"I’ll go do that now." At the door Javier turned around, "Thank you Nikki." The way he said it, something in his voice reminded her of when he was a little boy and she was flooded with her affection, her love for him. Certainly it was not the first time she’d felt like a parent to him but it was the first time that the label didn’t feel awkward to her.

"We’ll work it out kiddo, don’t worry."

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

They discussed the issue for several hours finally agreeing that it harmed no one to at least talk to the girl and get to know her. There was always the chance that, for whatever unfathomable reason, they would dislike Evie or she them.

By the time Carmen went into labor the following Monday Evie had already taken a room next to Javier’s. Six weeks later Jordana Ferrara-Julian joined her older brother, Paul, in the nursery.

Javier had been right they did indeed have it in their hearts to welcome two more into the family they had created.

Carla

Blood may call out in the dark but the family we choose calls out from the light. --- Me