Tony Chapter V Part 5

After talking to Xiang and friends I returned home; it felt a little strange to be back in China, and although I was tense about facing Laila, I felt calm and relaxed.
I think it was from the peaceful surroundings, I always felt relaxed in China, away from the fast pace world I face back in the states.



Laila must have seen me approach the house as she greeted me at the door. “Hi Tony” Laila said softly. “How are you Laila, you’re looking good”.
I must admit I felt a little odd in my own home, I would imagine it was from the amount of time that I had been away.
Laila smiled “I’m glad you came home Tony, you must be tired after your trip, why don’t you take a shower and relax for a bit; while I prepare dinner”.
“Okay” was all I could muster-up to say as I headed for the shower and relax. Laila must have been right about me being tired as I feel a sleep.

Being nudged I awoken to a smile “Dinner’s ready Tony” “Okay I’ll be right down”..
I made my way to the table “Mmmm Smells good Laila” I said with a smile on my face and a rumble in my stomach. I forgot how good of a cook Laila was; and I must admit it’s been a long time since I had home cooked Chinese food.
Laila began to ask how the business was going and after telling how well the business was growing she asked about my family and friends one by one; Starting with my dad, then Boris.

To my surprise she did not mention Molly. We sat at the table for another minute then I stood and started to clear the table, Laila stood “No, Tony you go and relax, I’ll take care of the dishes”. “I don’t mind Laila” as I continued to help clear the table. After cleaning up after dinner Laila and I sat down to talk about, what were Molly and I going to do when the baby arrives.



Needless to say; I had no answers, I did not know how Molly and I would handle the visitations, where Little-T would grow-up, what school he would attend, but one thing I did know, I was his father, and I would be there for him, and make sure he never wanted for anything.

That same night I called Molly, to see how she was doing if she needed anything. I worried about molly all the time, I wanted to be sure she was resting; I did not want to see her back in the hospital.




Over the next few weeks I was in and out of China; traveling between China, Europe and then States, Laila was very civil with me considering how I had hurt her. Business was going very well, Xiang was now spending more time in the states to be with his family; I think he wanted to move back to China but I don’t think it would be an easy task talking Petronia into the move. Although they would visit from time-to-time.



I have not seen Molly in about two weeks now but Laila knew I was talking to Molly on the phone. Molly had a Dr.’s appointment coming up next week; I promised I would be there, just as I was there for all her doctor visits and appointments.

I knew it was upsetting to Laila when I would travel to Europe; in the beginning it was not so bad, she would not say a word, just “have a safe trip.” Although Laila and I was living in the same home, we still were not really together, and leading our own lives, we slept in separate bedrooms and never saw each nude, we would always be dressed by the time we saw each other.



But as the visits increased to Europe to be with Molly, Laila patients decreased.



On my last return from Europe Laila walked up to me; as I entered the door “So how was your trip? Are you sleeping with Molly again?” “No” I answered sharply..
“Why do you have to be there for every visit? Colin is there with her; why does she need you?” she asked looking me in the eyes with her voice trembling. I understood Laila was hurt, and I’m the one that hurt her; so I answered in a lower tone of voice. “I am the father of Molly’s child, not Colin, Colin is a great man and I can tell he loves Molly very much, to be there for her night and day. I made Molly a promise; that I would make every appointment and I would be there for her and our child and I intend to keep that promise.”

This only angered Laila as she arched her brow and bit down on her lower lip she asked “What about the promise you made to me Tony? The promise to love me and no other until death do we part? What about that promise?” stepping back waiting upon an answer from me.



But I had no answer, she was right; I did make that promise but I did not keep it. I stood there speechless not able to answer, finally a woman had shut me up, I’m sure my dad would have love to see this moment. After no response Laila turned walking away “I thought so.” She shot out for the final nail in the coffin.



For the next few days it was like walking on eggshells, I was trying not to do anything to set her off.

I was having serious communication problems in both China and Europe, when it was possible we would have the meetings in English but this was not always the case; I understood Chinese but not fluently. The company would find language interpreters to translate, the problem was it was not always the same person, I would prepare for a meeting with one translator and the day of the meeting I would have a different translator, which would not go as well at times as they had no ideal what the meeting was about. I had the same problem in Europe at times; I called my dad to see if he could find someone on a permanent basis
I was looking for someone that could also travel at a given notice, I knew the task would not be easy and I did not have the time to look.




Back in Europe for Molly’s appointment; all seem to be going well, we still did not come up for a name for little T. Molly was doing great, Colin was doing a good job keeping and eye on her, don’t seem like he mind much, I can tell he loves Molly a lot.



Molly was still restricted form working and on bed rest, as we were getting ready to leave the hospital Molly turned and smiled at me “Tony, I need to take another ladies-room break before we leave for lunch” “Okay Moll” I replied with a grin.



As Molly walked away I was greeted “Hello Sir. how are you?” As I turned to see who was talking to me I noticed she was Asian, “I’m doing fine thanks” I replied as we were interrupted by another member of the hospital staff. I could not help but notice she and the other staff member were speaking in French. When they were finished talking I asked her did she speak any other languages. “Yes, I can also speak Chinese, four languages in total.” I explained to her of the problem I was having with translators, I wanted to hire her right then and there, but she had no plans to leave Europe anytime soon. However; she did inform me of her younger sister, when she was nineteen she could speak and write in eight different languages, how her sister was in Japan and not working at the time. I gave her my business card and asked her to have her sister call me if she was interested in the job.

Molly returned form the ladies-room and we headed out for lunch, I always took Molly out for lunch after our appointments, after lunch is when little T is most active and I get to feel him kick.

I began to spend more time after work getting to know the people I work with in China.



I spent time meeting their spouse.





I would be constantly invited to dinner or Celebrations ..



When June arrived I went back to the states for a meeting and to spend time with Boris Ruby and my dad.
I did not see Ruby as often as I would have liked but she was busy raising a family and she was deep into her music now, but I did get to hear her sing.. she is going to make it big one day.
Boris well… Boris never change still deep into electronics, I must admit the adventure with Boris is always a welcomed treat.
Things got tense for a while although I knew things would work out
I even got to see the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.


When I returned to China; I spent more and more time at the office as things were not so great at home, I know Laila had every right to be upset and I did not want to push her buttons.
She was still civil for the most part, it’s just when I return form Moll’s appointments when she would not speak to me much, I let her have time to cool down a bit before approaching her.

Back at the office in China I had quite a few voice messages; I really need some kind of secretary dare I ask Laila? No I don’t think so.
One voice message interested me the most, it was from Riku Kayio she was the sister of the woman I met at the hospital while in Europe, I returned her call to find she was interested in the job offer and had friends in China, she also have lived to the States as a exchange-student, I asked her to fly in for a interview, all her expenses would be paid even if the interview does not work out.

Two days later Kayio arrived in the China office for an interview it was such a great day I conducted the interview outside, I must admit for a twenty year old she was quite accomplished in languages and has done some work as a translator before.



Kayio had the education background but not a lot of work experience, I was somewhat hesitant mostly because of her age, it was a lot of responsibilities, she would spend a lot of hours working, late nights, early mornings, she would also have to assist my dad and Xiang with meetings although she would report directly to me and travel on short notice; Kayio was sure she could handle the job.
Towards the end of interview I asked “what kind of salary are you looking for” “Approximately $50,000 a year” she replied.

I smiled “here’s what we will do, I’ll start you off with $1,000 a week for ninety days, if after the ninety days, you are still employed we will increase it to $2,000 a week sounds fair?”

I guess it sounded as a fair wage to Kayio...



“I need you to start right away, will tomorrow morning be a problem”.
Kayio excitedly said “I can start now if you want” I smiled “no, tomorrow will be fine; we need to get your paperwork started, be here at eight O’clock tomorrow.”



We all were amazed at Kayio’s learning ability, not only was she a great translator, she also quickly picked up on the business, and understood how the operation was administered.
After meeting with my dad and Xiang we all decided she was a keeper and not only gave her a raise but a promotion; I sent out a memo to all employees in all branches to “Welcome Riku Kayio in her new position as the Executive Administrator of Global Operations.”



Kayio still had a lot to learn, but so did Il, we were a new company still had a lot of growing to do, Kayio soon became my right hand, she was at every meeting so far, and would out work me most nights with other members of the staff.



Even my dad and Xiang wanted to take her from me, I would smile and say, I’m sure there are more out there somewhere, you two just have to find them.

Laila seemed to be okay with the amount of time Kayio spent at our house; Laila would always offer her tea or something to eat seeing she was there so late, sometimes Kayio would take a break form work to spend a little time with Laila. I think Kayio enjoyed some of the adventure stories Laila would tell her about when we first met.


In the states, Although Kayio was not needed as a translator in the States; she attended every meeting, she was very organized and traveled we me just about anywhere. She would take the minutes of the meetings summarize and distribute them via email to everyone that was required to take action or some just to inform them of what was taking place.

One day working from home Kayio stopped by unexpected, unfortunately I had just returned from Europe visiting Molly, Kayio sensing the tension asked if everything was okay, that’s when I told her about Molly and I having a child, I could not go into detail and Kayio knew I could not being at home with Laila, Kayio asked If I wanted to take a drive, there was something she wanted to show me, “Sure why not” was my answer.



I had no I deal where we were, I just followed Kayio’s direction until we arrived at what seemed to be a park, “This is where I come when I want to be alone; it’s where I do most of my thinking” Kayio stated as we walked through the park.



We went again the next day and came to a bench where we sat and talked about Molly and little T, how things were at home, and then we just sat there and said nothing, just thinking things through.



When the time came to leave Kayio smiled and said “now this is your place too Mr. Stark; I hope you will use it”. “Thanks but my dad is Mr. Stark, you can call me Anthony or Tony as most of my friends does.” I said as we departed for the ride back.


One day I dropped Kayio off at her friend’s house where she had been staying since being in China.



While saying good-bye her friend Cheng came out to introduce himself.



I’m not sure if he thought there was something more than work and friendship between Kayioand I, but he was sure to let me know how he felt about her.




I had to leave for the states so I had one final meeting with the staff before leaving to make sure things ran smoothly while Kayio and I were away.



Back in the states everyone was getting ready for the biggest holiday of the summer forth of July, but it was still business for the Stark’s.
We were in one of the biggest meetings so far this year in the States, in one of the biggest states also; Texas, most of the American large oil company representatives were there, more like a convention than a meeting, but my dad loved it, it lasted all week long, all the grilled BB-Q ribs you can eat, but still business, Kayio was loving it as well. Laila came along as well as a lot of the family members from other companies.
I received a phone call; “her water just broke, get on a plane” I recognized Colin’s accent, I turned to my dad “I have to get on a plane, it was Colin on the phone he’s taking Molly to the hospital as we speak” I said in a panic.

My dad did not trust me driving in the state of mind I was in, “She’s early, it’s not time yet, something is wrong, it’s not time yet, I hope she is alight, it’s not time yet” I said over and over as my dad drove to the air port.
When we arrived to my surprise there was no flights out of Huston, Texas until morning, “I need to get on a plane now, Tomorrow is too late” I shouted. You have to find something; I need to fly out now.
My dad knew it was hopeless, I know he would drive me there if he could but even then we would not make it in time.

“There is a flight out of San Antonio, Texas, to New York , then to Europe within an hour but there is no way you would make it from Huston to San Antonio within an hour.” it looked like all hope was lost of me leaving the states today.

“Pardon Stark right” a man standing next to me asked of me. “Yes, Anthony Stark who wants to know” I said with attitude and frustration of not having a flight.
“Sorry, the name is Butler, James T. Butler; I was at your presentation yesterday, nice peace of business you boys have there.” “Thanks, I’m a little busy right now; you can call the office after the holiday.” I responded in somewhat annoyed voice.

“Reckon I could, I’m not talk’n shop till after the holiday myself son, I have some-tin y’all need, here in Texas one hand wash the other, you need a plane to get you to San-An, I have a plane righ’cher” “go on I’m listening” I said as I did need to be in San Antonio and would do anything. “We don’t be having much time fo-yapping now, Lets get you to San-An son, and I’ll be in touch with yall after the Holiday” he said with a hardy Texas laugh. I did not care what he wanted at the time, we boarded plane and arrived in San Antonio just-in-time to catch the flight, I just hope Molly is okay I tried calling continually but could not reach Molly.



Finally at the hospital, my heart racing as I ran to the front desk, “Molly..Molly Gregory please” I asked with shortness of breath; I noticed the looks on their faces, “Someone will be with you shortly” I tried to be understanding of hospital policies; but I grew impatient and on edge with each second that passed seeming like hours. “I really need to get to Molly now, can someone tell me where is she” I asked as my anger and frustration intensified. “We are waiting for Doctor Nan, she should be here any time now” one of the staff members was explaining as another staff member approached, I could see it was Kayio’s sister, they could pass for twins I think.



“Hi Mr. Stark Molly in is room 223, she is being prepped for surgery…” before she could finish I took off running for Molly’s room with her chasing behind calling “Tony wait”.
Running down the hall looking at each room number as I passed them the room 223 I pushed open the door “Molly!!” I shouted. Dr. Nan turned and escorted me out the door as Kayio’s sister caught up to me.


Dr Nan turned to the staff members “why is he not been scrubbed yet?” “I tried to tell him but he’s a fast runner.” I was told about the complication and Molly was going to have a C-section. Doctor Nan told me what I could expect in the operation room, “most of all Tony, I want you to keep Molly calm, can you handle that” Doctor Nan asked.

I don’t know if it was being there seeing Molly under the knife, but I felt a tear roll down my face as I stroked her hair, “every thing is going to be fine Molly, you’re so strong, I love you so much, you will make an awesome mother” I said softly, I kept talking to Molly throughout the operation.

I could not look down; so I focused on Molly’s eyes as I talked to her. Before I knew it Little T was out every thing was happening so fast, I got a quick glance of T as they began to hook him up to all kinds of wires. “what’s going on” I asked, “we will explain everything, we need to take care of mommy and baby right now” Dr. Nan explained as I was being pushed out of the room. “



Looking at Little T so helpless, hooked up to so may wires and tubs and so tiny; for the second time a tear rolled down my face, I bent over to touch his tiny little hand, “Hi son, it’s you dad, you’re going to like this new world you’re in, we are going to have so much time together” I said with a sniffle. Wiping the tears from my eyes “I love you so much little guy, you’re never will want for anything.” I paused for a second and continued...

“your mommy and daddy love you so much, you have so many people to meet; two grandpas, sorry, only one grandma but your other grandma will be watching over you as she has been watching over me all these years, you are going to be fine and healthy, you won’t have all these tubs and you will get out of the hospital right? We will get to play football together; you are going love football and the girls are going to love you. But if they ever hurt you they will have to answer to your mother, I think she is going to spoil you so much.”



I went to check on Molly, she was fast asleep, Doctor Nan assured me she was doing fine, I then went to spend time with Little T again, I don’t know how long I was in there, but it felt as the room started to spin around me. One of the staff members said I should go home and get some sleep; I looked at my watch and realized I had now been up of 29 hours. All I remember was sitting down.



I felt a nudge, I opened my eyes to find one of the staff members standing over me “Molly is awake and doing fine if you want to se her now” it took me a few seconds to remember where I was I had fallen a sleep at the hospital.



I was telling Molly what had taken me so long to arrive; how James T Butler took me to San Antonio Texas. “That’s it” molly shouted. It took a few seconds for me to understand she was saying “Antonio should be the name of our child, I think the lack of sleep has slowed my brain some. “Antonio, I like it” I replied with a smile.



My dad and Xiang as well as Molly’s family and friends started to arrive to the hospital, I was surprised to see Xiang, I thought he was going to be upset but he extended his congratulations to the both of us.



They would not let everyone in the room with little T, but they were able to see him through the glass, my dad seemed really happy; maybe he was happy he had a grandson I don’t know.



I told my dad I would be staying in Europe for a while, I want to be sure Molly and Little T will be fine before I return to the states.


I went to the hotel to shower and right back to the hospital, if it was not for the need to shower I would never have left the hospital.
I went back and forth Molly’s room then to see Little T then back to Molly’s room.
I think Molly and I both were still trying to come to terms that we were parents.


After visiting the hospital day after day; finally the day came to Take Little-T home. Not really sure we were ready as parents to take care of a child, I was glad he was healthy enough to leave the hospital.
I think Molly was just as nervous as I was about taking care of Little-T; I did not know how this will all workout me traveling with work and Molly will return to work at some point I’m sure.
We arrived back to Molly’s place I don’t know if it was being here with Molly and Little-T alone but for the first time it really hit me, Molly and I have a child.





After we fed, cuddled and held Little-T for a while we put him to bed, Molly and I talked about her time at the hospital and how she was afraid but at the same time happy to have our son home.
I could not help but to smile and feel proud every time Molly said “Our son”. It was getting a little late and I could barely keep my eyes open from the lack of sleep over the last few weeks.

“As much as I hated to leave Molly and Little-T I looked at Molly and said “I should be getting back to the Hotel” "You know...you're welcome to stay here..." Molly responded with a pause the continued to say… "So you can be close to Little T and all..."

“Really” I answered excitedly over the offer to stay “Sure let me get a few things from the hotel”.

Maybe it was just me, maybe just the surroundings but during my stay with Molly and Little-T; I felt a connection with Molly that I haven’t felt before, as if we were a family, sure we were sleeping in separate bedrooms, but I think that was becoming the norm for me. At times I felt myself wanting to just hug or kiss Molly, but I did not act on my feelings; I knew it was wrong and I knew we both were thinking about Colin and Laila.
Although it was not all work between Molly and I while I was staying with her.



It was good to see Ruby and Boris again at the baby shower Molly’s friends put together, although I did not see much of them.
Molly seemed a little uneasy, during the shower, I’m not quite sure why, seeing it was mostly her friends in Europe that attended.
I did not really know most of them, a few I have met before.
Later Molly and I sat down and went through the gifts, seeing what Little-T can use now, and what we needed to put away until he was a little bigger.
It was a long day.




Molly and I put Antonio to bed and stayed up late just talking about the new feeling of being parents, it was not long after falling asleep that Little-T decided he was hungry.
I decided to get up so Molly could sleep; she needed her rest, I went into the kitchen to heat up a bottle for Little-T only to find Molly already in the kitchen “I thought I would let you sleep Tony seeing you been getting up just about every night with Antonio” Molly said with a smile on her face and sleep in her eyes.


After spending almost two months in Europe I received a call from Kayio I needed to be in China for a meeting.
It was hard for me to leave Molly and Antonio in Europe although we both knew we would have to return to work sooner or later.

As I was packing when Molly entered the room holding Antonio, I stopped packing turned to Molly and said “I’m going to miss you both so much”
“We will be okay Tony; we both will miss you too you want to hold your son”.
“Sure”
Molly approached me slowly standing closely face-to-face I felt a strong urge to Kiss Molly as she handed Antonio over to me.
“Here’s your daddy” Molly said as I took T into my arms.

I did not want to ever put him down.


Molly promised to call if she needed anything; I promised I would return to Europe within a few weeks.


I returned to China.





This one did not make the update but did make the out take..
Tony trying to deliver Little T…