Upside Down Again - Book Three Bloodline

By Celestine Capart

When a young successful and loving white suburban couple suddenly find themselves in a genealogy search to determine where their newborn twin African American baby's gene manifested from, their lives are turned upside down. When Traci, the mother of the twins discovers, the horrors of her own unknown roots stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Riots, which were shocking, the answer seems logical. But when her husband Tom's roots are also traced, and the truth is revealed, one of his parents experiences great difficulty accepting these twin Black babies. What happens to these ideal marriages that could be shattered due to two innocent and beautiful Black twin babies being born.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483586625

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Part 1

Chapter 1

New Haven

In the lazy evening hours after Tom had returned home from a hectic day at work, he kissed the love of his life, Traci, ate a simple dinner of salad, crusty bread, wine, and apple juice instead for Traci, then settled down to relax. Because Traci was bulging at the belly and very much pregnant with twin babies expected any day now, they cuddled like newlyweds on the simple, stylish, but comfortable couch in their New Haven home in the posh neighborhood of Wooster Square. The routine New England evening breeze crept silently through the windows in the dining room, gently rustling the window curtains that covered the massive ceiling to floor windows overlooking the hedged lined rose garden that Traci loved so much.

The day had been busy for Tom with meetings, and even more meetings to settle disputes between their clients, dealing with low ratings for some products or excessive demand for products their company previously decided to discontinue. Tom felt drained from these damned if you do and damned if you don't confrontations. Traci on the other hand, was simply exhausted from carrying around twins in her heavy wrecking ball sized stomach bringing on backaches, leg cramps, and indigestion. Both sitting and standing had become an effort. Compared to walking the fashion runway, modeling sometimes 1O or more clothing pieces, showcasing the sometimes most ridiculous clothes from far too many self-absorbed designers from around the world, that wasn't nearly as demanding on her body as this pregnancy.

Exhaustion overtook them both as they fought sleep. Both decided to hit the sack early, instead. Hours later, Traci's water broke. Embarrassed, she struggled to get out of the soggy wet bed, and with the slow pace of a snail creeping slowly to its destination, holding her basketball sized stomach, she headed to the enormous bathroom, which now seemed to be way to far away as she cursed under her breath because every step was excruciating. She managed to seat herself on the toilet, holding her breath to stifle the next wave of pain that felt worse than looming death. Not getting any relief, she tried standing again. Holding onto the counter top with a fierce grip as if riding a roller coaster, she squeezed her eyes shut believing this had to be the worst pain in life, ever.

It's time, Traci moaned as she struggled to return from the bathroom doubled over and holding onto her stomach as if it would fall to the floor. She had gotten so big that it was more than an effort to either stand or sit. She grunted and groaned like a wounded animal and never thought her body could stretch this much. As a model, Traci had taken great pride in her appearance. Her long, lean legs and well proportioned shapely body had won her numerous modeling contracts. In the past, she had carried herself like a stately gazelle under a warm sun enjoying the glow. Even dull drab rooms seemed to light up when she entered. Traci was a beautiful woman with a shining spirit that exploded through the camera lenses like the morning sun breaking on a warm summer day. She exuded beauty and self-confidence as easily as a babbling brook travels serenely over cobblestones downstream. But, at this moment, Traci felt like a frightened rabbit not sure which way to escape danger. No makeup, hair in disarray and 50 pounds overweight, she felt like an elephant carrying 2 tons of luggage on it's back.

Hearing Traci's call, Tom's heart skipped a beat as he leaped into action to get her back to bed. Tom was, frightened. He held her as carefully as he would a delicate soft kitten. Sweat began running from his forehead and down his cheeks as he managed to guide her back to bed.

I'll call the doctor, he squeaked, as he furiously pulled on those old tattered blue jeans that Traci hated so much. While Tom called the doctor, yelled into the phone, paced back and forth, ran his free hand through his disheveled hair, Traci reached under the bed and found the pre-packed bag prepared just for this occasion. She watched Tom as he raced around the room in total panic and acted as if he didn't know what to do next. He ran his fingers through his hair again, a nervous gesture that Traci had noticed on the few occasions when she assumed he had lost his cool. As he sweated, panicked, and seemed to be trying to consider what to do next, Traci managed a smile. She watched her normally cool as a cucumber husband lose it. As she watched this normally sane person turn into a bundle of nerves gone wild, Traci felt another contraction but tried desperately to control herself. She gritted her teeth as she felt the contractions which seemed to be coming closer and closer together. Her belly felt like a lemon that someone was squeezing the juice out of. Once that cramp subsided, with strained effort, she reached for the land-line phone on the nightstand and called her best friends, Jennifer, then Patricia, to let them know she was on her way to the hospital. In an attempt to stay strong, Traci moaned again as quietly as she could and made every attempt to take short breaths as she asked them to keep Tom calm while she was delivering the babies. Like giggling and excited school girls, they both agreed to get to the hospital as soon as they could. Traci managed a weak but contented smile, knowing that her best friends would be at the hospital with her as she went through this new thing called childbirth. She forgot the pain temporarily as a long ago memory flashed through her mind recalling a sometimes raunchy and live for the weekend past. Lowering her head in admission and a slight smile, she had never considered, back then, that she would be married to a wonderful man and preparing for a baby or two on the way.

After speaking to Traci's doctor, Tom used all the strength he could muster to stay calm and drive her to the hospital. The doctor had reassured him they had plenty of time before Traci would actually deliver the babies, but Tom was unbelievably nervous. Sweaty hands, dampened shirt, forehead sticky with perspiration, and feeling slightly disoriented, he did his best not to show it. He reasoned that speaking to the doctor helped him settle down. Tom was somewhat more in control of himself as he arrived at an intersection near the hospital. Traci had another contraction which put Tom into anxiety mode again. Traci glanced at him, gave a weak smile and managed to breathlessly say,

I'm Ok. Are we almost there?

Sweetheart, just hang in there! The doctor said he'll have someone meet us at the Emergency Room entrance, Tom said, holding onto the wheel with sweaty palms and underarm perspiration that made him feel sticky and wet.

Sure enough, there were two young and eager orderlies waiting attentively in crisp starched white uniforms, pointing a wheelchair toward the curb as Tom drove up. Traci grabbed her throbbing pain ridden protruding belly again as she slumped over in an attempt to withstand yet another contraction. Tom frantically jumped out of the car, sprinted to the passenger's side, fumbled for the door handle, and with new beads of sweat forming on his forehead like a freshly washed peach, he somehow managed to open her door. Traci was dazed as she peered into his eyes, managed a weak smile and realized at that moment how much she truly loved him. Tom kissed her lightly on the cheek as he helped her out of the car and struggled to get her into the waiting wheelchair.

The orderlies, who had watched this scene a hundred times, gave each other that secret knowing smile then politely said, We'll take it from here. You can wait in the Maternity Ward's waiting room and the doctor will see you once she's settled.

As they wheeled her away, one orderly looked back and said, You can also check her in at the counter there.

Traci looked back at Tom like a prisoner being led to his jail cell. She didn't want to leave him standing there all alone. She didn't know what hurt the most, the contractions or seeing Tom fall apart like leaves clinging to a tree while a wild wind forced them to release their hold.

Traci saw the despair on Tom's face and asked the orderlies to please stop a moment."

Tom ran to her, kissed her gently and said,I love you so much, sweetheart. I'll be waiting for you right outside your door.

Traci felt helpless as Tom continued clinging and telling her how much he loved her. She squeezed his arm and said, I love you too! Sweetheart, like a dramatic love scene in an old fashioned movie. As one of the orderlies pushed Traci's wheel chair along, she panicked and remembered she had left her overnight bag in the car.

She looked back at Tom and yelled, Sweetheart, don't forget my bag.

Still, in a daze, Tom tried to clear his head to make sense of what Traci was saying.

OMG, he remembered. He'd left the car running in front of the Emergency Room entrance. Heart racing, he sprinted like an olympian, grabbed Traci's bag, tossed it in the passenger's seat so he wouldn't forget it again, gave it a gentle pat, then rushed toward the adjacent parking lot. Tom's nerves were shot as he circled the lot several times before he spotted a parking space. Cursing under his breath, he parked, sprinted into the hospital, clamored onto the elevator, managed to find the indicator button leading to the Maternity Ward, then pushed the button 4 or 5 times. After arriving at the Maternity ward floor, on what seemed to be the slowest elevator ever invented, breathing labored, heart racing, he surveyed the area. Tom looked up and down the sterile creme colored linoleum floor, spotted the nurse's station then rushed to the Check-In Desk, almost tripping over a mop and pail, left there most likely by the Janitor. Still sweating bullets, and full throttle anxious, Tom's heart was racing as he screamed at the Nurse that his wife is having her babies and could they please hurry. Of course the Nurses Station personnel had seen any number of prospective first Dads completely lose their minds and as usual, and with the patience of Job, they simply spoke in a calm, clear and soothing manner. Sir, we understand. The doctor is with her now, and I'm sure she'll be OK. We need you to fill out these forms, please.

Tom finally took stock of himself. As if just getting off the world's scariest roller coaster, he felt weak and useless. He managed to hold the pen in his weak hand without dropping it as he scanned the entire form, completed it and handed it back to the intake Nurse. After filling out the forms, feeling proud of himself, Tom headed toward the waiting room, then, OMG, remembered that he forgot that bag again. Frustrated with himself for being so scattered, he rushed back to the elevator, rode it down to the first floor, rushed out to the car, grabbed the bag, ran back into the hospital, took the elevator back up to the Maternity Ward, checked in again at the Nurses station, left the bag with them and was told to simply take a seat and they would notify him when it was time. Frustrated, tired, exhausted, elated, afraid, happy, and excited all at the same time, Tom finally collapsed into the nearest soft cushioned but straight back chair in the waiting room. He fidgeted with the magazines laying around, glanced at some strange show on the overhead television, stood and paced a while, sat a while, then paced some more. There were two other people in the waiting room who seemed to be calmly reading one of the scattered collection of magazines. One man watched Tom for a minute.

When Tom finally took a seat again, the man asked, Is this your first?

Tom was startled, didn't quite understand what the man was asking him and he didn't quite know what to say. After a few seconds, processing the man's question, Tom realized the man had asked if this is his first baby. At first, Tom felt foolish as his face flushed then finally and politely answered, Yes.

The man smiled and said, This is my fourth.

Tom looked at him in astonishment and asked, You've been through this 3 times before?

Yes, the guy said, and it never gets any easier."

But you look so calm, Tom said, still surprised, noticing the man was wearing a plaid shirt, old faded blue jeans, protruding belly and looking more like a lumber jack than a daddy.

What you see is not what is always real. I'm actually very concerned right now. I've always felt this way before each birth. It doesn't get any easier, you just learn to show it in a more relaxed way.

So, you're saying with my next child, I'll be able to handle it better?

Yes, you'll already know what to expect, but the anxiety will still be there, you just won't show it as much, he said.

My anxiety, is it that obvious? Tom asked.

Yes. I was the same way with the birth of my first child and you reminded me of that time. My name is Hank. Hank Deavers, he said, extending his hairy, bronzed looking hand to receive a handshake.

I'm Tom, glad to meet you, he said as he also extended a sweaty hand in return.

Tom relaxed a bit after the introductions. They talked like long lost friends about careers, hobbies, likes, dislikes and the world in general. The two of them continued to chat the time away like old buddies who had just found each other after many years. Tom and Hank stopped talking as they noticed there was somewhat of a commotion outside of the waiting room door. Suddenly, there stood Jenny and Patricia excited, screeching and chatting away. Tom smiled, recognizing two old friends and allowed the feeling of relief to wash over him like a fresh summer rain. Excited to see them he rushed over to give them a hug and the biggest smile he could muster. He was comforted and happy knowing that Traci's best friends had joined him. Like a ton of bricks falling to the floor and breaking into a thousand pieces, Tom could feel some of the weight of this infernal waiting being lifted from his shoulders.

Hi, you guys. How did you know? Tom asked.

Traci called and instructed us to make sure you don't lose your sanity, they joked.

What? He stammered. When did she do that?

She called us before you guys left for the hospital, Jenny said.

Well, I'll be damned,Tom said scratching his head. She's amazing!"

So where's Richard and Steve? He continued.

They both told us, they've 'been there and done that, and to tell you good luck and congratulations and not to worry too much. We were instructed by Traci and the guys, to help keep you sane."

She would say that.wouldn't she? You guys are the best friends anyone could ever ask for," Tom said as he hugged them again.

Do you want to choose pacing lanes? You pace over there while Jennifer paces down the middle, and I'll pace over here, Patricia teased."

They all laughed. The mood was lightened, but Tom's bundle of nerves seemed to maintain their hold on him.

Does anybody want something to drink? I saw a vending machine nearby,Jenny asked.

No thank you, Tom said. I'm too pent up to drink or eat anything. What's taking so long anyway? Why doesn't the doctor come and tell us something? This waiting is driving me crazy."

OK, Jenny, let's get to work on Tom, Patricia said. Our job is to keep Tom from going bananas.

Tom looked perplexed, wondered what they were up to, then gave a sly as a fox smile and said, whatever you two are thinking, don't you dare!

Mr. Deavers glanced at the trio, gave an approving smile then returned to reading his magazine.

By the way,Jenny asked, have you guys decided on names for the twins?"

Tom's demeanor brightened, he puffed his chest and announced they would name the twins, Terri and Tammi.

Now that's cute, Patricia said. They'll be named after a bomb.

What do you mean, Tom asked indignantly?

T N T she spelled.

You guys are totally nuts, Tom said, but I love you both anyway.

What's even cuter, Jenny said, Everyone in this family will have a name that starts with the letter T.

What can I say, Tom joked. We're all Terrific, and that starts with a T.

Jenny and Patricia continued playing a game of finding descriptive kid oriented words that started with the letter T.

T for teddy bear, Jenny teased.

T for toys, Patricia blurted.

"T for two,' Tom chimed in just to make fun of both Patricia and Jenny.

As the game progressed, they noticed Dr. Petty had quietly stepped into the waiting room. Tom's heart skipped a beat as he sprang from his chair. Jennifer and Patricia followed right on his heels as if they were all tied to each other with a rope.

How's she doing Dr.Petty, Tom asked.

She's resting comfortably and she's doing fine.

And the babies, Tom asked.

They're both doing just fine too. They are identical twins weighing six pounds and six ounces for one and six pounds four ounces for the other one.

So everything went well?

Yes, Dr Petty said in an uncertain tone.

Dr. Petty, Is there anything wrong?

"Tom, do you mind stepping into my office before we take you to see the babies?

Yes, of course, what's up?

Jenny and Patricia cheering with huge smiles approached and asked if they could come too. They said they wanted to see the babies too.

Not just yet. First I must talk to Mr Hanson alone, please. Then with Mr. And Mrs. Hanson's approval, you can see the babies. Dr Drew explained in a professional manner. However, for some unknown reason, Tom felt butterflies in his stomach as if something else unpleasant was coming.

Of course my friends can see the babies! These two are like sisters to my wife. Tom argued.

"Mr. Hanson, please step inside my office and let's talk first," Dr. Drew said in a somewhat mild but firm voice.

Jenny and Patricia remained standing before they finally relented and reseated themselves in disbelief. Both Jenny and Patricia felt like little kids being punished when they were in school by the school yard guards for simply having fun. Dr. Drew, who was not as tall as Tom but held himself in a confident and authoritarian stance, excused himself in an exaggerated manner as he glanced at Jenny and Patricia then pointed Tom in the direction of one of his main examination rooms.

Dr. Drew indicated a nearby slightly scratched metal chair with a plastic cushioned seat for Tom, then pulled up a black padded rolling stool that sat slightly lower but faced Tom, as though he had done this many times before. The small room had a gray metal desk, small but clunky looking over head computer on a stand with a keyboard which allowed the doctor to stand and type in information into a database to avoid wasting paper which was one of the newest gadgets in recent years. Various posters lined the walls, a rubber glove dispenser, sink, and disinfectants were in one corner, and an examination table covered with clean sheets and a pillow were on the opposite side of the room which took up the rest of the small space of the room.

What's this all about?Tom asked.

First let me tell you the twins are doing well and your wife came through it all just fine. However, I have a puzzling question to ask you.

OK, shoot! Tom said.

Can you tell me how long have you two been married?

What do you mean? What does this have to do with anything? Tom asked in disbelief as he felt his heart beat a little faster and his face flushed.

What I'm about to say is baffling for me and I don't want to make assumptions, Dr. Drew stammered as his face flushed too.

"Assumptions about what? Tom asked, indignantly rising from his chair. Are my girls OK?"

Yes, they're healthy and just fine. They are two beautiful identical twins, Dr. Drew replied, feeling a bit threatened but somewhat recovered from Tom's outburst.

Wow! Tom said. Identical? My brother and I were identical twins too, Tom said reseating himself.

Oh, so how's that working out for you two now that you're adults?

My brother died when we were young, Tom explained as he reseated himself.

I'm sorry to hear that! It must have been devastating for you, Dr. Drew replied.

Yes, it was.He was my only playmate when we were little. But, what does this have to do with this important information you need to tell me?" Tom asked.

Tom, your twins came out with fairly dark skin and a mopping head of black hair.

Oh, so they have the same hair color as my wife? Do they look like their mother?

Yes, sort of. But, they look like African American babies, Dr. Drew said.

Would you repeat that please? Did I hear you correctly?Tom asked as he stared at Dr. Drew with anger forming in his bulging eyes.