After The Rain(M*A*S*H Fanfic)

[LuLu Rogers]

I started this one back in October and decided to post it if anyone is interested in reading it, here's a summary:

Summary-Trapper John McIntyre’s wife Louise died giving birth to their daughter Kathy. Trapper calls his best friend from college, Leslie Stevens to help him raise his girls. The two of them rekindle an old romance and fall in love. Follow them through their lives as they are married, Trapper is drafted, their family grows and they make new friends along the way. Later in the story we will skip ahead a few years and see how Trapper and Leslie will deal with some bad news, lucky for them, they have Hawkeye there to help.


If you are interested in reading this, let me know and I'll post it. I've written two chapters so far, currently working on chapter three.

[treky]

I'm interested! Sounds good! I'd like to read one about Trapper, as hardly anyone writes about him. It's mostly Hawkeye and/or/ Margaret and sometimes B.J. and Charles, but the early shows are my favorite, and Trapper's my favorite character.

[LuLu Rogers]

Chapter One

“RUN JOHN!” Leslie Stevens yelled from the stands, watching her boyfriend John McIntyre running down the field.

“Touchdown Harvard!” The announcer said.

“That’s my man!” Leslie yelled proudly.

She was always there at the football games to support John, she loved watching him play. When the game was over she ran to the field.

“You were incredible honey!” She grinned excitedly.

“Thanks babe.” He smiled, pulling off his helmet. “You look great tonight.” He told her.

She was wearing a crimson sweater with dress pants and she had her hair pulled back in a ponytail with a crimson ribbon.

“John McIntyre, you’re such a flatterer.” She blushed.

“I figured giving you a complement would give me a better chance at getin some later.” He wriggled his eyebrows and she playfully punched him in the arm.

“I think you already knew the answer to that.” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with passion.

She ran her hands through his sweat soaked curls as he leaned in and kissed her. She knew that they were meant to be together forever.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Dr. Stevens, Mrs. Hanks is on the phone, she says Fluffy isn’t acting like herself.”

“Wha…Oh, right, I’ll be right there.” Leslie shook herself back to reality.

It had been six years since that night at the football field. John, or Trapper as he was now called, had married a fellow classmate, Louise Williams. They had a two year old daughter they named Rebecca Jane, Becky for short, and another baby on the way. He had broken her heart when he dumped her for Louise and she had never really gotten over it. After college she had opened her own Veterinary practice in Boston and threw herself into her work. She dated a few guys on and off, but she had never gotten married. In her mind there was no man in this world who could compare with John Francis Xavier McIntyre.

“I wonder if he ever thinks about me.” She said absently. She decided to put her thoughts aside and picked up the phone to talk to Mrs. Hanks.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Louise! I’m home!” Trapper John McIntyre yelled as he came in the door from work.

He had to work the night shift at the hospital and he was exhausted.

“Daddy!” His two year old daughter Becky ran into his arms.

“Hi Princess! Where’s mommy?”

“Here I am.” Louise waddled toward her husband. She was nine months pregnant and due any day.

“Hi Sweetheart.” He smiled and kissed her tenderly.

“I made you some breakfast since you had to work the night shift. I thought you might want something to eat before you went to bed.”

“Sounds great, I’m starved!” He picked Becky up and started tickling her, causing the little girl to laugh hysterically.

Louise brought him a plate with bacon, eggs and a stack of pancakes.

“Mmmm-mmm! Looks great hun!” He smiled at her as she sat down next to him.

As he ate his breakfast, he looked around their apartment and shook his head. He just wasn’t making enough money to buy them a nice house, but this apartment was much too small for the three of them, especially now that they were having another baby. It really hurt him that he couldn’t afford to put his family in a nice house. He noticed Louise clutching her stomach and turned his attention back to her.

“Louise honey, what’s wrong?” He stood up and pulled her close to him.

“John, it’s time.” She managed to say through her contractions.

“Oh Boy, uh….I’ll call my mother to come stay with Becky, where’s your bag?” He began to run back in forth searching frantically.

“It’s in our bedroom John.” She almost laughed watching him run around like a chicken with its head cut off.

He phoned his mother and she arrived within minutes to stay with Becky. He put Louise’s bag on his shoulder and helped her out to the car.

“Ok honey, don’t worry, everything’s going to be ok.” He assured her as they drove to the hospital.

Doctor Bates met them at the hospital and got Louise into labor and delivery. Trapper paced back in forth in the waiting room, impatiently waiting for the doctor to come tell him about his baby. An hour went by and Doctor Bates finally came out. His face was somber and Trapper’s heart plummeted.

“Give it to me straight Doc, I can take it.”

“Well, the good news is you have a beautiful baby girl.”

Trapper breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s great! When can I go see Louise?”

The doctor swallowed hard. “Mr. McIntyre, I’m afraid Louise didn’t make it. She hemorrhaged to death. I’m so sorry.”

Trapper just stood there in shock, his mind reeling. “H…How could this happen?” He stammered.

“It happens more often than people realize I’m afraid. There was just nothing we could do to stop it.”

“I understand Dr. Bates, I appreciate your effort.” Trapper swallowed hard.

“Would you like to see your daughter now?”

“Yeah…yeah, I’d like that.” Trapper nodded.

He followed the doctor to a room full of newborn babies. He looked through the glass window in search of his daughter. A nurse holding one of the babies tapped on the window.

“This one is yours” She mouthed, smiling.

“Oh God! She’s beautiful! She looks just like…” He trailed off and started to cry. He fell to his knees and wept for the love of his life.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Three months had passed since that terrible day and Trapper was struggling to keep his head above water. Taking care of his newborn daughter Katherine Louise, who was named after her mother and two year old Becky was more than he could handle. His mother and father helped out as much as they could, but they were really too old to deal with young children. He had to take time off from work to take care of them and he knew that if he didn’t do something soon they were going to go broke. He remembered Leslie Stevens, his best friend from college. They had been very close for many years and he knew if anyone could help him it would be her. He hadn’t spoken to her in over two years, but he knew she was still living in Boston. He pulled out his address book and dialed her number.

[LuLu Rogers]

Chapter Two

Leslie gave her horse Dakota a pat before running inside to answer the phone. “Dr. Leslie Stevens.” She managed to say as she tried to catch her breath.

“Leslie? This is John McIntyre.”

Leslie froze. Why would he call her after all these years? Maybe they were planning a reunion or something. She forced herself to regain composure.

“Well, well John McIntyre, I wasn’t expecting to hear your voice at the other end of the line. How the hell are ya?”

She smacked her forehead.

“Very suave Les.”

She thought to herself.

“I’m not too good Leslie, I’m afraid that’s why I called.”

She knew by his tone that something was horribly wrong.

“Are you gonna tell me or do I have to guess?”

She finally broke the silence.

“Well, we had another baby.”

“That’s bad news?”

She was confused.

“Oh no, I’m sorry, I guess I’m really bad at explaining myself. You see, Louise…”

He trailed off.

“What about Louise, John?”

She pressed him.

“Louise died giving birth to our daughter.”

He tried to hold back the tears, but he started to sob.

“Oh John! I am so sorry.”

She was stunned.

“Do you need me to help you with anything?”

“Actually, that’s why I called. Leslie, I know it’s been a lot a years and I know that we ended our relationship on a bad note…”

“That’s quite an understatement, but that’s not important now. I’m willing to help out any way I can.”

“Leslie, you know me, I can’t raise two little girls by myself. I need…”

“You need my help.”

She cut him off.

“I was hoping you would come stay with us. It wouldn’t be forever, just til I can get myself back together.”

“I see, well John, I can’t move in with you. I have my animals to take care of.”

His heart sank.

“However, I would be more than happy to have you and the girls move in with me. I know that I live outside the city, but I have a four bedroom house and wonderful neighbors. It’s a great place to raise children.”

She hoped she would have some of her own by now.

“Well, our apartment is really small, but I’m afraid I couldn’t afford to pay rent on a big house like that.”

“Who said anything about rent? As long as we split the grocery bill I’m happy.”

She couldn’t help but smile.

“No rent? Are you sure?”

He stammered in disbelief.

“Do I sound unsure? I love you John and I would do anything to help you out.”

“You have no idea how grateful I am Leslie, you’re a lifesaver!”

“Yes, I know I’m wonderful.”

She grinned.

“When do you want us to move in?”

“Well, I’m on call until five tonight, but I’m off tomorrow, so why don’t you pack a few things and come on over tonight and we’ll get the rest of your stuff tomorrow.”

“You got a deal! Is seven ok?”

“I’ll be here.”

“Thanks again Les, you’re the greatest! Bye!”

“Bye.”

She hung up the phone with a sigh.

“If I’m so great why did you dump me six years ago?”

She mumbled to herself. She grabbed her Stetson and heard instant neighing as she headed for the door.

“I know guys, you’re ready for breakfast. Don’t worry, I’m coming.”

She disappeared into the barn.

[LuLu Rogers]

Chapter Three

“S***!”

Leslie swore as she ran downstairs just in time to keep the spaghetti she was cooking from burning to a crisp. Trapper and his girls were going to be there any minute and she wasn’t anywhere near ready for them. She finished the spaghetti and set the table before going back upstairs to get dressed. After checking her reflection in the mirror and grabbing her Stetson of the wall, she heard her dogs Jack and Millie barking. She ran down stairs and out the door just in time to see Trapper pulling up the driveway in his station wagon. She smiled and waved, pulling the dogs back from the car.

“Howdy Stranger.”

She laughed as he got out of the car.

“Hey Les, you look great.”

He smiled and looked her over. She was tall, around 5’ 10” with long black hair and big green eyes and a smile that would make any man melt.

“You look a little thin honey.”

He furrowed his brow in concern.

“Well, I have lost forty pounds since college, but I think that’s a blessing.”

She laughed softly.

He walked toward her, arms outstretched and she accepted his embrace.

“It’s been a long time Les.”

He pulled back to look into her eyes.

“Yep, six years.”

She couldn’t hide the hurt in her voice and his smile faded.

“I’m sorry about what happened Leslie, the way we broke up, I was a real bastard and I apologize.”

“Yes, you were.”

She said honestly.

“But that was in the past John, it’s not important now.”

She shrugged and gave him a soft smile.

“So, where are my girls?”

She helped him open the car door. A little girl jumped out of the car and ran to Leslie, jumping into her arms.

“Oh Becky! You’ve gotten so big!”

Leslie squeezed the little girl tight, petting her strawberry blonde curls.

“How old are you now?”

The little girl grinned and held up three fingers.

“Three! Well you’re all grown up now aren’t you?”

The little girl nodded and Leslie laughed.

Trapper walked over to them carrying a baby in his arms.

“Oh my God, she’s beautiful!”

Leslie squealed and put Becky down on the ground.

“Let me have that precious angel.”

She reached out and took the baby from his arms.

“Hi Kathy! You are so beautiful! You look just like your mommy, yes you do.”

She nuzzled the precious infant and looked over at Trapper who had tears in his eyes. She reached out and put her arm around him, pulling him close to her. Their eyes locked and he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers in a tender kiss.

“Come on girls, let’s go inside.”

She smiled and squeezed his hand.

“Does everyone like spaghetti?”

“Yummy!”

Trapper and Becky replied in unison.

“Good. Come on inside and eat, then I’ll give you the grand tour.”

She reached out to take Becky’s hand and they all went inside.

[treky]

GREAT so far! Keep the chapters coming! I can't wait to read more about Trapper and Leslie! And, it's so refreshing to have a Trapper story for a change, it seems every other one is about H/M.

[LuLu Rogers]

Chapter Four

After finishing their spaghetti, Trapper held Kathy while Leslie got a towel to clean Becky’s face.

“Was it good sweetheart?”

Leslie asked as she wiped the three year olds face with a damp towel.
Becky nodded happily, giggling.

“Becky, I think I should start calling you little Trapper. You look and act just like your daddy.”

Leslie grinned at Trapper who rolled his eyes, causing her to laugh.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When Leslie had finished cleaning Becky’s face, she stood up and grabbed her Stetson off the table and put it on.

“Who wants to go out to the barn and see the animals?”

Becky giggled, tugging on Leslie’s jeans.

“I told her you had horses Les, she’s been talking about it all day.”

Trapper grinned at his daughter.

“Well, you guys are in for a special surprise tonight. Something special happened out there in the barn today, let’s go see!”

Leslie helped Trapper put Kathy in the stroller he had brought with him, then she picked Becky up into her arms and they headed toward the barn. They were greeted by welcoming nickers from the horses.

“Ok guys, as you can see I have lots of animals for you to look at here.”

Leslie grinned.

“You’ve already met Jack and Millie here.”

Leslie motioned to the two dogs at there feet.

“Here we have Buck, he’s a ten year old Buckskin gelding.”

The fawn colored horse nuzzled Leslie’s shoulder.

“And this is Oreo, he’s an American Paint Horse gelding and he’s three years old, just like you Becky!”

Leslie held Becky closer to Oreo and Becky giggled when the black and white horse sniffed her hand.

“I think he likes you Beck.”

Trapper piped in, smiling at his daughter.

“And this is Lady, she’s a five year old Thoroughbred mare and she’s due to have a foal in a few weeks.”

Trapper came over and took Becky into his arms.

“You here that baby? This horsey is gonna have a baby!”

He kissed the little girl's forehead, causing Leslie to smile at them adoringly. Oh how she wanted a family like this! She shook herself back to reality.

“You guys ready for the surprise?”

Both Trapper and Becky nodded.
Leslie pushed Kathy in the stroller down to the other end of the barn while Trapper carried Becky close at her heels.

“This is Baby, she’s an eight year old Appaloosa mare and look at what’s in there with her.”

Leslie grinned as Trapper and Becky peeked inside the stall. There was a white horse with black spots lying in the straw and next to her was a tiny foal.

“Looks like Baby had a baby!”

Trapper chuckled.

“Yep, that baby is brand new, only about five hours old.”

Leslie explained to Trapper how she had delivered the foal earlier that afternoon.

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

“It’s a boy, a little colt.”

Leslie smiled proudly. Becky looked up at her seriously.

“Can I hold it Les?”

Both Trapper and Leslie burst into laughter.

“I’m afraid he’s a little too heavy for you to hold darlin.”

Leslie ran her fingers through the little girl’s soft curls.

“I haven’t been able to think of a name for him yet, what do you think Becky?”

The little girl looked thoughtful for a moment, and then her eyes lit up.

“Trapper!”

She yelled triumphantly.

Trapper laughed.

“Becky, I don’t think Les wants to name the horse after daddy…”

“I think Trapper is a fine name for him Becky.”

Leslie smirked at him and he just shook his head, chuckling softly.

“I hate to cut this tour short, but I know two little girls that need to go to bed.”

Trapper motioned for Leslie to follow him with the stroller as he carried Becky inside.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Leslie took them upstairs to the room she had set up for Kathy and Becky to sleep in. It was a small room, decorated with pink flowers and had a small bed for Becky and a crib for Kathy. Leslie kissed the girls goodnight and left Trapper alone with them.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About ten minutes later, having gotten both girls to sleep, Trapper came downstairs, looking for Leslie. He finally found her sitting out on the front porch. She was sitting on the swing, the two dogs asleep at her feet. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the warm night, her eyes were closed and a she had big grin on her face. Trapper cleared his throat to let her know that he was there and she jumped in surprise.

“Trapper, I didn’t see you there!”

She seemed visibly shaken, but motioned for him to sit down next to her and he obliged.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I was enjoying watching you, you looked so peaceful sitting there.”

“Well, I love summer nights, sitting out here and enjoying the crickets chirping and the horses settling in for the night. On some nights you can even see a few deer over there in the field, looking for food that the horses might have left.”

He looked over at her and she was smiling up at him adoringly. She looked just like a little girl, looking for her father’s approval.

He leaned closer and put his arm around her.

“It is nice, isn’t it?”

He sighed and she snuggled closer to him, knowing in her heart that this is the way her life was meant to be.

[LuLu Rogers]

I hope to update this again soon, so stay tuned! ;)

[treky]

ok hon! I'll be waiting and holding my breath! Can't wait to find out what happen with Trapper and Louise!

(I know it's not that easy for you; after reading your other posts)

[LuLu Rogers]

ok hon! I'll be waiting and holding my breath! Can't wait to find out what happen with Trapper and Louise!

(I know it's not that easy for you; after reading your other posts)

Thank you sweetie! I appreciate you being my one faithful reader ;) :D

[LuLu Rogers]

Man, I need to add a new chapter here! :crazy:

[treky]

yes, you do! But take your time; I'm in no hurry.:) :)

(and, you may not have enough time starting next month)