What A Way To Live

What a Feline Spiral

The judge looks down at the paper and says Ms. Ambani, you are pregnant. Are you not aware of this? Shocked, Laura and Carter look at each other. Laura says to Carter, but we just had s*x 2 days ago. I haven't been with anyone but Mr. Carter. The judge says, "Well, is this marriage still happening?" Carter says yes! I still love Ms. Ambani, no matter what. Laura looks at Carter and smiles and says YES. The judge says, "Let's continue, shall we?" Carter turns to Laura and says" I love you." Laura says I love you. The judge deems the couple married, and a few hours later, they walk out of the courthouse married.

Carter looks at Laura and says no matter what, this baby will be loved and have a father. Laura agrees and says she will try to be the best mother. Laura says, "Laura Thompson has a nice ring to it." Both laughing, they get in the truck, and Carter says, " I think we need to go get you looked at and get you some pre-natal vitamins." Laura agrees and says," Can we go tomorrow? " Exhausted, she lays her head over on his shoulder as he drives them home after this busy day. Arriving at the couple's new home. They go to bed and hold each other, as they both feel tired but super excited. They make love all night and fall asleep early in the morning. That next day, they wake up around 12:30. Carter gets up and calls the best OB-GYN in their area. He gets an appointment for that evening. They get up, get dressed, and have lunch. Feeling heavier, Laura thought to herself, surely I have grown a lot over night. The feeling of bloating just circled her stomach. She goes to the mirror thinking about herself. I couldn't have become more pregnant overnight. In the mirror, her belly pokes out about twice as it did last night. Carter, she yells, as she hears his footsteps coming up the steps. Do i look a lot bigger today than I did yesterday? Carter laughs and says a little. But i think you are just paying attention now that you know. Laura shyly laughs and says maybe so. Let's just go. The two make their way out of the door, heading to Carters truck. As they shut the door, a man comes to her side of the truck and starts to tap on the window, yelling, "Help me!

As Laura gets scared, locks the door, and looks the other way, the man starts to get angry. Carter decides to jump out and run around and asks what is going on? The man falls on the ground, claiming he is having a stroke. Carter says, "Hold on one minute as he goes to get his phone out of the truck. Carter calls 911 and tells them what's going on. Carter asks the man what his name is, and he says Tommy Harper. Carter gets suspicious and tells the police to hurry. As Carter turns around, he sees the neighbor running over, saying that it is his best friend. Carter explains that they have to leave and asks him to stay with him. Carter and the neighbor help Tommy to the neighbor's yard. Carter jumps back in the truck, and they head towards the doctor's office.

The two arrive at the doctor's office and go inside. The nurse tells them to sit in the waiting room and fill out some forms. About a hour later, Laura gets called back. They get to the exam room and are waiting for the doctor. The doctor comes in surprised and says this baby is growing very fast. We are not sure how the blood work from yesterday proved you were only two weeks pregnant, but today you are measured at 16 weeks pregnant. Laura looks at the floor as Carter looks at her with confusion. Laura says to the doctor, can we have a DNA test done to see if Carter is the father? Appalled, Carter says there's no way I'm the father. You were not with me 16 weeks ago, looking at the doctor and back at Laura. Laura says in a stern voice," Just please doctor, can we order a DNA test? The doctor is confused and says yes, but you have to wait til you are 35 weeks along for the test to have a more accurate result. Aggrevated, Laura stands up and says I'll be back in 19 weeks then. Suddenly, the doctor says, wait, we have to give you an ultrasound to make sure the baby is growing properly. Laura, shaken, says okay, then we are leaving. Carter says to Laura everything will be fine. Let's just see our little one. Laura smiles at Carter and agrees.

After a few minutes, the doctor came in with a rolling cart with a screen and asked Laura to lift her shirt off of her belly. Carter looked at Laura's belly and thought to himself that she looked bigger, but didn't say it outloud. Laura gasped when the doctor placed the ultrasound remote on her belly and told the doctor that it was cold. The doctor says it will warm up as soon as I rub the gel in. Laura lies back as Carter tells her to relax. Suddenly, the doctor says woah, the baby is measuring 18 weeks with this device. The doctor said that the baby looked very healthy and everything looked good. Laura leans up on the bed and says," can we leave now? Carter looked at Laura with suspicion. Carter says thank you doctor, and he helps Laura off the exam table. The doctor says would you both like to know the gender? Carter blurts out "YES". Laura sternly says "NO". The two look at each other, and Laura says," Fine. The doctor says okay, the results are in this envelope and hands the envelope to Carter.

As the two are walking back to Carter's truck, Laura says "Carter, I need to tell you something. I didn't disclose this information the other day when I told you where I really came from". Carter, feeling annoyed, says "no s**t" as he climbs into his truck. Laura, appalled by his reaction, says " well do you want to hear what I have to say? As Carter grits his teeth, he says to her with a stern voice," Yes I do want to know, please quit shutting me out. I'm your husband now, and frankly, I want to know everything about you and what's going on with you.

Laura is starting to feel sad and says okay, I promise to tell you everything. Looking at the floorboard as she hops in the truck, she says, OK, here goes. Hi, my name is Laura Thompson. I was Laura Ambani. I was born in Hyderabad, India and, at the age of twenty, my brother Henry and I moved to Fresno, California. My father, Imba Ambani, and my mother, Carissa Ambani, told me the only way I was able to move was if I took my brother Henry with me. That next morning, we caught a plane to Fresno, California. The next few days we spent getting an apartment. At the age of twenty, I went to school for 2 years to become a RN nurse. I got my first job at the nursing home beside our apartment. When i started school, I met James Lewis. He was my first husband. We were married for 3 years and tried to have a baby the first year we were married, but to our surprise, James had prostate cancer. He couldnt have children and eventually got to the point of where I had to quit nursing to take care of him. When he died, I fell apart and that's why we left Fresno, California. When we arrived in Miami, Florida, Henry was talking to my dad every week but was busy with his new job. I was taking care of Tyler and taking him to school and picking him up.

After a couple of months, Henry had not talked to my father. Our father cut our allowance off, and I was worried I was about to have to go back to work. Henry had tried to call my father the day I got kidnapped. Which is the reason I believe my father was behind me getting kidnapped. After seeing all the women chained to the wall beside me for three weeks, I heard their screams and howls. I escaped when they unchained me to eat and get a drink. When I got out and walked a few miles away, this man named Luke Harris picked me up and fed me for a few days, but kept me in the office he worked in. There were three jail-like stalls for people they were holding to deport from the country. After he left for the day, I escaped from there as well. After I got back to the apartment, my brother Henry told me that my dad was mad at me. He told me to leave the apartment and go somewhere safe. That's when I called you to tell you to meet me somewhere, I was scared that he would find me again. After you had said you had found the house in New York, I knew that would be a great way out. Carter, you make me so happy. The 6 months we spent together before I got kidnapped were amazing. I thank you so much for sticking around for me. After we arrived here in New York, I knew I wanted you in my life. Yesterday was the best day! Finding out I'm marrying you, and I'm with child makes my heart happy and makes my life feel complete.

However, I will still have to go visit my father, but I have to tell you everything. Carter, after hearing all this, is shocked that Laura opened up to him and started sobbing, saying" this is all I ever wanted for us. You make me so happy, Laura. Please continue. I want to know everything. Cautiously, Laura turns to Carter and grabs his hand and says what I have to tell you,. It may shock you a little bit. The reason I was short in the doctors office was because I am part of another being. I'm half woman and half Cat. Our family is a cat pack. Kind of like a wolf pack, but we are cats. When I got kidnapped, the men threw me in with Werewolves.

Stunned, Carter looks at Laura and says that there's a lot to think about. What does that have to do with the doctor's office? Laura says that with half a cat's body, the fetus will grow within three to four weeks. She looks at Carter and says," This is why I needed you to trust me in front of the judge. Thats how i know this baby is yours. Carter, you are the father of our child. Carter just looks up at the sky and says, all of this finally makes sense. Thank you babe for finally telling me. I have so many questions, but I can't handle the answers right now. I will ask eventually, just give me some time to process this please? I love you, and I still want this life with you. Laura smiles and says," Okay, I'll let you process this". Carter says okay, I'll let you know when I'm ready.

Laura laughs and says, we have to start our marriage out right. Let's don't begin with lies. Smiling at Laura, Carter wiped his face from sobbing, said well, can we go get lunch? Both laughing, Laura says YES please. They drive to the nearest restaurant and sit down at a table by the window. They order drinks and the food. Carter looks at Laura and says, I am ready for a few questions. Laughing, they both agree to talk. Carter pulls out the gender envelope and says, Will the result be the same for cats? Laura laughs and says yes, the results will be the same. However, back in India my father has a cat doctor I probably need to visit to make sure our kitten is healthy. Carter smiles and says, can we open the envelope? Laura laughs and says yes, let's find out together. Carter opens the envelope and holds the paper up in front of Laura across the table and says read it, aloud. Laura, feeling emotional, gets choked and says, it's a girl.

Carter is surprised, and says OH. Laura says maybe its not my place to say, but I am sorry. I know this brings up bad memories from your past. Carter smiles and says yes, it does, but I'm very excited to have a second chance at being a husband and a father. This time I will make sure nothing happens to my girls. Laura feels so safe with Carter and says to him, no matter what happens, we both love you. Carter smiles and asks Laura if she is ready to go to India. Laura looks at the floor and says, I suppose so. Resenting the flight, Laura says we need to go home and pack. Carter stands up and helps Laura stand up. They pay and head to the truck.

Carter opens Laura's door, and they both get in the truck. Heading home, Laura grabs Carter's hand, and tells him how she dreads this flight and the entire trip, and tells Carter how she doesnt know how her parents and siblings will react to her homecoming. Especially when pregnant and with a husband. Carter tells her how everything will be okay, and to not stress. Its not healthy for the baby, Carter blurts out. With a smirk, Laura says okay!

Arriving at their home, Laura jumps out as Carter answers a phone call from Phillip Hardy, Carter's childhood best friend. As he talks on the phone, Laura goes and starts to pack up her bags. Throwing her toothbrush and deodorant in a bag, Carter walks in and says we have to go soon. Phillip says my friend Gilbert Smith just called him asking if he knew where we were and that someone was looking for me and you in Florida. Carter turns red, and says we need to go to the airport soon, soon finish packing. Carter goes to the closet and starts throwing his things in a bag. Laura says okay! Carter grabs the bags and starts throwing them in the truck downstairs. Carter, frustrated, asks Laura if she is ready, as they both go downstairs. Laura says I will be as ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. They jump in the truck and head to the airport.

Arriving at the airport, Carter asks Laura what flights need to be booked and Laura says just move, I'll take care of this. Laura walks up to the lady at the desk in the airport and sets up the flights. She looks at Carter and starts laughing and says oh, your going to experience something you never have before. Carter glances at Laura before walking over to the vending machine to grab a drink. He said to Laura," Well, new experiences need hydration". As they smiled and sat down to wait for the flight, which was in an hour. They talked about how the flight would be about 19 hours and a couple of stops from here to there. Carter asked Laura how she was feeling and if it was okay for her to be flying? She laughed and said, normally for pregnant women, it's not advised to fly. But I'm only 19 weeks remember. They laugh as Carter sits there and thinks about the past few days. She said to give her a few minutes before the flight, she needed to run to the restroom. He stands up and gets ready to go get in line and grabs their luggage. A few minutes later, she comes out and says all ready? He looks up from his phone and says, as ready as I'll ever be.

Later, on the plane, they are situated on the left side as Laura takes the window seat. Carter puts the carry-on bags above them in the cubby. Laura says I'm going to take a nap, this kid is making me tired. As Carter grins, and says okay honey, the flight attendant walks up and asks if they need a pillow or a drink now that they've taken off. Carter says yes, my wife needs a pillow and we could use some water please. Laura smiles and looks at Carter and says" What a great name for me, your wife. Carter grins again and says this feels so surreal as Laura says "I know". About five hours into the flight, Carter feels Laura's hand grab his. Carter looks over to see her wake up almost in a panic. A bad dream he blurts out? She says no, just forgot where I was for a minute. He holds her hand and calms her down and says it's all going to be okay. Laura laughs and says "I know". Carter smiles and says, full of "I know's" today are we? Laura says yes I am. The pilot comes on the intercom and says their first stop will be approaching in around ten minutes. Carter looks at Laura and says, this is going to be a long trip. Laura laughs and says yes, why dont you take a nap? Carter agrees and asks how she is feeling. Laura says I'm okay, this seat is rather uncomfortable and this child is on my bladder. Carter tells her to go to the bathroom after we land for the layover.

After the layover, Carter takes a nap and Laura pulls out a book to read. Laura looks out the window, and she feels emotional looking at the clouds under them. She starts to cry and decides to close the window and finish her book. A few hours go by and a bump rocks Carter and Laura awake. The pilot on the intercom says "Sorry for the mess we are going through, our plane has flown into a storm, the winds are not very bad, we are just having a little turbulence"."While we fly through the storm, this will delay us, so we will arrive at our destination in about two hours". Laura looks at Carter and says "Oh, I must have fallen back asleep as well. I didn't realize we were so close to landing". Carter says, well, while we have two hours left, tell me about your mom and dad. What do I need to know about them? Luar says, well there isn't much about my family to know. She looks at him and says, "You don't know that my dad owns the mafia, and you don't know they are wealthy". Carter kind of grins, and says why? Laura said my father is very different, he wanted me to find a wealthy man that loves me for me, and is not after me for my father's money. I think its best that you act as if you found out at my parents' home. Carter says okay, i didn't even know your family had money til two days ago. Laura laughs and says, I know and you still wanted to be with me regardless. That is why I know my father will like you.

Carter sits back in his seat and sighs, questioning Laura about what her family likes, and what her dad does. What's his passion? What is your mom like? What do I need to know about them? Laura says okay, well my parents have six sons, and two daughters, including me. My brothers, Bindo, Henry, Gayatri, Dharan, Sage, and Ravi. Then, there is me and my sister Yasha. My parents met when they were young. My mom is where I get my feline part of the family. My mother's name is Carissa Ambani. She is from London, Ontario in Canada. She and her parents lived in almost a pack. My great grandparents lived on the outskirts of Toronto in a group, they lived in caves because they were all raised as cats. My dad had flown to Toronto back when my mom was young and he met her then. They have been inseparable since. My dad is the top man in the mafia. He had started out in an office job, and had many investments, but he wouldn't ever tell us any further information. I do know that he loves to watch baseball and used to beg me to find a baseball player to marry. Laura laughs, and says, well, I don't know if you play baseball, but I don't care if you do or do not. Carter smiles and says," Well, I used to play in high school and some in college. I just hope this meeting with your family goes well. Laura says it will all be fine. I'm mostly worried about getting to our tribe and seeing Dr. Frasier. I want to make sure this child is okay. Carter grins and says, what if she comes out with hairy ears? Laura laughs and says, no. The feline does not make its way out into the world until the person turns fifteen years of age. Carter's grin fades away, and" says what do you mean?" Whispering now, Laura explains that she turned into her feline at the age of fifteen, and that is the age the cat feels the most comfortable to step in. However, there has been one case where a feline took over the human at the age of fourteen, and that is still her form as of today. She is a house cat at my grandparents' home. No one has ever told us who she is, but she is the same age as my mother. Carter is shocked and says, so that is a rare case though, right? Laura laughs and says yes!

The intercom dings as the pilot says in about ten minutes the plane will be landing. Everyone, please make your way to your seats, place your seat belts on and we thank you for flying with Collins Aerospace. Laura takes a deep breath and says well, here goes telling my parents" I'm married, and pregnant". Carter leans over and gives Laura a sweet lip kiss, and says," we've got this honey". Laura, relieved, says "I couldn't have done this without you". Carter says, well, let's do this. The plane goes in for a landing. Laura watches out of the window and grabs Carter's hand. They unbuckle and stand up. Carter grabs the carry-on bag. They make their way to the plane door. At the airport, Carter sees a familiar face across the airport and down the stairs and says," Look, your brother Henry is here. Laura laughs and says, no, that is my brother Bindo. I forgot to mention Bindo and Henry are twins. Carter says wow, they look just alike. As they walk up to Bindo, Carter says hello, I am Carter. Bindo says Thank you for carrying Laura's bags, but we have gotten her from here, thanks. Laura steps in front of Bindo, now angry, and says, this is my husband Carter and he is coming with me. Bindo steps back and says," You are married Laura?" Its so good to finally see you home. Laura interrupts him and says, how did you even know we were here? Bindo laughs and says "you know dad keeps tabs on everyone". Laura and Bindo laugh and she says Yes, I know. Carter steps away to take a phone call, and Bindo and Laura catch up.

Carter answers his phone and realizes it's his father. Startled, Carter says, why are you calling me? I haven't spoken to you in years. Let's keep it that way, and hung the phone up. Laura and Bindo walked over and asked him what was going on. Laura had seen the flushed face of Carters. Laura says let's just go and get out of this airport and talk to my parents' tribe. Carter agrees, and grabs the luggage and they all walk out to see a long black shiny limo. Carter says "Is this us?" and Bindo looks at him and says yes with a smirk on his face.

Later, they pull up to a huge wall, and a big black metal gate that swings open just in time for the limo to pull in. Carter looks at Laura and says" Woah, this is such a huge place." Bindo says, wow, wait til' he sees the house. They laugh and look up ahead and out of the windows, after driving through a pasture, and then what looked like a forest. Carter sees a big concrete box that looks like a home. Almost castle like. Carter looks at Laura and says this is not what I was expecting. Laura laughs and says, what were you expecting? A big litter box? Bindo giving Laura a very sore face, says Laura? He knows you are a cat? Yes, she growls back, He is my husband! Bindo says confidently, and how long have you known this man? Laura laughs and says long enough to know he is the man of my dreams, and long enough that he is going to be the father of my kittens. Bindo, stop playing around and listen to me, this is my life. I chose to leave and make a life for myself and you chose to stay and be our father's coffee boy. Stop judging what I do and become a man that you are proud of. As Bindo is stunned, he says, Oh look, we are here. Great Laura blurts out. Carter gets out of the car and whispers to Laura. Why are you so feisty all of a sudden? Calm down, everything will be okay, and I love you. Laura smiles and says, Oh just wait til you see the rest of the family, and I love you too. They get the luggage out of the car, and start walking up to the front door as two people walk out on the steps and wave their hands toward them. Carter says, is that your parents? Laura says yes, that is my father and mother.