1.91 Being fussed

Kay was getting food when she felt arms wrap around her, “Still mad at you Jake.” 

He wasn’t going to let go and quietly said, “I know but can we talk now.” 

She spun around and said firmly, “I’m listening.”

“Do you have any ideas on names?” Kay just stared at him and said, “I like the name Andrew but I think your sister might want to use that. Michael is a nice name too…”

“Don’t like Michael but agree that we can’t use the name Andrew. Please can we stop arguing?” Kay rolled her eyes then smiled, “Fine but we still need a name,” 

Kay kissed him and waited for an answer. “We have four months left to decide.”

Kirsten was finally home after the bleeding had slowed right down but was told to rest and the doctor would give her a home visit the following day. When Kirsten tried to get off the chair Andrew firmly said, “Sit, what do you want?” Kirsten looked at him and replied, “I want a drink.”

“Stay there and I’ll get it.” Andrew Snr knocked the door and walked in, “How are you feeling?”

“Tell your son that I’m fine.” Andrew sat next to her and said, “I can’t do that because I agree with him. You and that baby are important.”

“But he’s driving me crazy, he carried me from the car and that is silly.” Andrew snr could see she was frustrated and calmly said, “Enjoy it.” Kirsten sighed, “Not you too, Jakey said that. This will be one long pregnancy.” When Andrew saw his Dad he asked if everything was ok at the base and was informed that he was being given the week off. Suddenly they heard Kirsten say, “Oh the joy.” 

Andrew sat next to his wife and said, “I know you think I’m fussing but I want you and this baby to be ok.”

“I know but I’m not a porcelain doll and that is how you are treating me.” Andrew looked at her and quietly said, “I’m sorry but I’m really worried about you.” 

Andrew helped his son in tidy up and said, “Go easy on her.”

“Dad I…” Andrew broke down, “I never thought losing a child would feel like this and I can’t lose the other one.” He stepped closer to his son and said, “Andrew losing a child is the most unbearable pain you can imagine. Losing you was heart wrenching. I know you were alive but I wasn’t allowed to see you and you know why but I’m lucky because I was given a second chance to have you in my life. I know you lost a baby but you have to think you are still going to be a father and you need to be there for Kirsten.” 

Andrew wiped the tears away and said, “I know Kirsten was right, they tell us you are having twins then at the same time take it away. How do I tell my son years to come he was a twin?”

“When the time is right you and Kirsten will know what to do there.” 

Kirsten had listened to the conversation when she heard Andrew breakdown she came in with tears down her face and when he saw her, Andrew went straight to her and said, “I love you.”

“I love you too and I don’t think you fuss that much.” 

Andrew smiled slightly and kissed her. Andrew Snr watched them wrapped in each other’s arms for a few moments and wished Louise could see them together and how great their son had turned out. It was moments like this that he missed her the most. It was then he decided to leave the army, he missed everything with Andrew and he wasn’t about to miss anything with his grandchild. He wouldn’t interfere but if they wanted a babysitter or his grandchild wanted him the answer would always be yes.

“Kirsten how long do you have left,” he asked once he saw an opportunity. Kirsten looked at her father in-law and with a smile, “Coming up five months. Jake will be a Dad about a month before I’m a mum.”

“So you get to play Aunt first?” 

Kirsten smiled again and replied, “I guess I do never thought of it like that.” He smiled at the both and said his goodbyes and left when Kirsten heard her Mum call out and Kirsten turned to Andrew and asked, “Hide me please because she will be worse than you.”

“Promise to rest.” Kirsten felt slightly trapped but agreed. 

They came from the kitchen to find her parents looking at them. “Kirsten why aren’t you resting?” Kirsten took a deep breath and replied, “I have been but I was just in the kitchen…” Laura interrupted her, “No hun, you need to rest and Andrew she should be in bed.” Andrew was about to say something when Dan said, “Sweetheart I think Andrew can look after our daughter.”

“But…”

“Laura the baby will be fine. Kirsten do you need anything?” Laura had been asking Kirsten what she wanted for the baby since day one and Kirsten had finally decided, “I need a cot and pushchair.”

“Dan held his daughter, “Now that I can do. You tell me what you want and I will pay the bill.” Laura had to ask, “Any names yet?” Andrew answered, “We are still talking about it besides we have time.” Laura was telling them that they didn’t have time when Dan firmly said, “They have plenty of time and don’t you remember Kirsten was eight weeks before she finally got her name.”

“I just don’t want them to go through what we did.” Kirsten could see this turning into an argument and quickly said, “Mum, we have a few ideas but we will get a name.” Laura sighed, “I know you will I just…”

“Mum, everything will be fine now I have to rest.” 

When Kirsten lay down on the bed Andrew held her and said, “Your Mum will back off, right.” Kirsten squeezed into Andrew and said, “Eventually.”

1.90 Names

Jake and Kay were still waiting outside Kirsten’s room, “Kay the baby is ok?” Kay looked at him, “Do you want to see?” Jake looked shocked when Kay took his hand and led him to a room with an ultra scan. 

Kay put the jelly over her belly and said calmly, “See he’s fine. If I don’t feel anything I come to this room and look.”

“We are having a boy?” Kay looked at Jake smiled and replied, “I never said it was a boy.”

“Yes you did…” Kay rolled her eyes, “I meant it in a generic term.” Jake looked at her and asked, “But you know what we are having, don’t you?” Kay smiled, “Yes it’s a little boy.” 

Jake started shouting with happiness and when he kissed Kay she said firmly, “Jake stop…your sister.”

Jake looked at her and replied, “I’m sorry but I’m so happy right now. That’s wrong, isn’t it?” Kay sighed, “No but I think you need to see your sister.” When they got to the room they saw Andrew about to open the door and Jake shouted after him. 

Andrew stopped and Jake said, “How is she?” Andrew looked tired but said, “She’s ok but in shock. We just found out what we are having.”

“Me too. You first.” Andrew hesitated when he heard through the door, “Tell him or you’ll burst.” Andrew smiled and said, “We are having a boy.” 

Jake hugged Andrew and said with enthusiasm, “Same as me.” Suddenly he heard a cough from behind and rephrased the answer to, “I mean we are having a boy.” Andrew smiled but Jake could see the sadness behind the smile, “And, I am really sorry about…”

“I know you are but Kirsten would love to see you right now.” Jake walked in and saw Kirsten look at him. 

When Jake smiled Kirsten broke down, he quickly went to her side, “Sis it’s ok.”

“I lost my baby,” was all she got out through her tears. 

Jake held her tightly and said, “You know this baby will fight to survive now.” Kirsten wiped her tears away and answered, “I know you are right but Andy must hate me.” Jake was shocked by her statement, “Hate you…he loves you. The problem you’ll have now is Andy wanting to be with you all the time and not leave you and the baby.”

“He wouldn’t…” Jake tilted his head a little and replied, “Just don’t come to me at the end of the pregnancy complaining about him getting on your nervous.” Kirsten looked shocked and firmly said, “Jakey, I wouldn’t,” he raised his eye brow and Kirsten responded, “Ok maybe I would but…”

“One word Kirsten Enjoy!” Kirsten cuddled into her brother and asked, “How is your little one?”

Jake spent the next 15 minutes bending her ear about how he was having a boy and the new house but Kirsten welcomed him making her feel normal rather than a victim and gladly listened. “So sis what are you naming my little nephew?” Kirsten smiled and said, “Andrew and I are discussing names, what about you?” Jake smiled and said, “I need to talk it over with Kay but I want to name him after Dad…” 

Kirsten suddenly glared at him and yelled, “No way, I was thinking that.” Andrew was talking with Kay outside when they heard the yelling. They went in to find Kirsten and Jake battling it out over boy’s names.

“Why do you get Dad’s name?”

“Because my boy will have his first and last name too.”

“And that is your reasoning behind having Dad’s name?” 

Andrew had heard enough and yelled, “Kirsten get back in bed and Jake quiet.” Kirsten and Jake stopped and stared at both Andrew and Kay and did as they were told.

“I leave you for a few minutes and come back in to find you arguing. Kirsten what did the doctor say? Jake your sister is in hospital.” They both bowed their heads and said sorry.

Kay looked at Jake and firmly asked, “This is my baby too and I think I should have a say in what we name our baby. Kirsten I’m pleased you are ok but if you will excuse me I think I will go home and get some rest.” Jake went to go with Kay but she was upset with him, “I’m going by myself to Dad’s because it’s too far to drive tonight. I’ll see you in the morning.” Kirsten whispered quietly after Kay left, “Jake I’m sorry.” He turned to her and replied, “No I should be sorry. Look I’m glad you are ok but…”
“Go, Andy’s here looking after me. Make sure Kay is ok!” 

Jake went straight to Spencer’s but he was already waiting, “So you pick names without talking to Kay.” Jake felt uneasy as he said, “It wasn’t like that, yes I will admit I would like my Dad’s name in there somewhere but when Kirsten started to yell I lost it and it turned into something more like a battle and before I knew it Kay was mad at me.”

“Idiot…I’ll let you in but don’t argue with her.” 

Jake walked in and Kay turned her back on him and said, “I thought I said I’d see you in the morning!” Jake softly asked, “Please Kay will you look at me?” 

She turned to look at him but was still upset and angry, “What!”

“I’m sorry, I would never pick our child’s name without you.”

“Really because it sounded like it.” Jake was trying to defend his corner, “Kirsten and I were excited about having sons but then names were mentioned and we started to argue. I won’t lie but I’m close to my Dad and I would like the name Daniel in my son’s name. I would have told you…”

“Really when? After you and Kirsten had discussed it!”

“Why are you being unreasonable?”

“Me!” Jake realised he wasn’t going to get anywhere tonight and asked, “Can we call it a truce and talk tomorrow after we’ve had some sleep.” 

Kay bit her tongue and said sarcastically, “Great let’s do that,” suddenly Jake had a sleeping bag being thrown at him and heard Kay add, “Sleep tight.” Jake watched Kay walk off and the door slam shut. 

Tracy came out of Charlie’s room and said, “You will work it out, it’s a hormonal thing.”

“How did you decide Mathew’s name?” Tracy sighed, “My parents kicked me out after they found out Spencer got me pregnant. His parents were dead. It was Heather that actually decided Mathew’s name.” 

Jake looked shocked as she continued, “We were arguing just like you too are right now and Heather had heard enough and just yelled out call him Mathew. Spencer said but I hate that name. Heather reminded him it was his middle name and when I fluttered my eyelashes at him with a please, well Spencer caved but I made a promise that he could chose next time.”

“This is difficult.” Tracy smiled and replied, “No this is the start of parenthood.” 

1.89 Holding on

Jake came home to find Kay asleep on the sofa, “Beautiful it’s time for bed.” 

He lifted her up and carried her to their room. When he lay her on the bed her heard her talk in her sleep, ‘Must get baby clothes, haven’t got enough time…’ Jake whispered in her ear, “Kay you’re talking in your sleep again. Everything will be fine,” then he kissed her before climbing into bed.

Jake was sound asleep when the phone rang at the side of his bed, he looked at the clock and it read four o’clock then looked at the phone and it was a video call from Kirsten, “Sis everything ok?” 

Kirsten was in tears the other end and said, “I have been bleeding what do I do?” Jake yelled with panic, “For fuck sake sis get Andrew and go to the hospital now.”

Kay stood by the door and asked what the yelling was all about and when Jake told her she spoke to Kirsten, “Listen you need to stay calm and get Andrew. I will ring the doctors for you ok.”

Through the tears Kirsten agreed. When she put the phone down Kirsten frantically rang Andrew, “Hi Andy, can you come home? I think something is wrong.”

“Kirsten, Andrew is on the field what’s wrong?” Andrew Snr just about discovered that Kirsten was bleeding and thought she was losing the baby. He told her to sit down and Andrew would be home straight away. He pulled his son off the training field and practically threw Andrew into a trunk and drove through every red light because he didn’t want to lose his grandchild. Andrew just sat there staring out the window in shock.

Kirsten was being examined by the doctor when Andrew found her in their bedroom. The doctor turned to Andrew and asked, “Are you the father?” 

Andrew steadily answered, “Yes and is everything ok?” The doctor would only say, “Kirsten is being taken to hospital for further tests.” The doctor gave a half smile to Kirsten and left the room to wait for the ambulance. 

Andrew looked at Kirsten and nervously asked, “What did they say?”

“They won’t tell me anything…Andy I want our baby, it’s going to ok right?” 

Andrew kissed her forehead and said, “Our baby will be fine,” but he wasn’t sure about that statement and hated the feelings that he was having. He quickly rang Jake who told him he’d ring his parents.

When Laura saw the consultant enter her daughter’s room she froze, “Dan that was the doctor who broke the news about Ava.” Dan squeezed her and quietly replied, “Everything will be fine. We need to be here for Kirsten.” 

When the consultant opened the door he saw Dan and Laura and knew instantly who they were. Laura was his first patient in the maternity unit and it broke his heart to tell them about their baby and slowly approached them. He shook Dan and Laura hands and calmly said, “Kirsten is your daughter, right?”

Laura was starting to cry but stopped and heard, “I hated telling you and I’ve never forgotten. I will do everything I can to make sure Kirsten and baby are fine. I’m going to do the ultra scan now.”

“You did everything you could and for that we are grateful just please do everything for our girl in there.”

“I will do.” 
When they entered the room Kirsten was looking at Andrew and when he looked up he gave a nod. “Jake is on his way.” Laura smiled, “He doesn’t like Kirsten upset.” Everyone accept Andrew had to leave the room while carried out the scan.

Everyone outside the room was quiet, hoping and praying for good news. Kay was cuddling into Jake while holding her stomach and thought, ‘Stay there for Mummy, I love you so much.’ She felt Jake’s hand over hers and heard a whisper, “I love this baby.” Kay glanced at him and he kissed her.

After the nurse left with the machine the consultant said, “Kirsten and Andrew I took pictures and after looking very carefully I have news.” They both listened intently as the consultant spoke, “Did you know you were expecting twins?” They looked at each other and then back at the consultant and Kirsten said in shock, “No we didn’t, are they ok?” She felt Andrew squeeze her hand as he was on edge waiting to find out what was going on.

“I’m sorry to say one baby has died and that is why you are bleeding but the other baby is doing well. I know it’s not the best news but I would like you to stay overnight so we can keep an eye on you.”

Andrew finally spoke, “I’m not leaving them…” The consultant was going to argue but he saw no point and because it was a private room agreed that Andrew could have a cot bed. 

Kirsten and Andrew held each other for a while until the crying stopped, “Kirst, we have a baby that we need to look after.”

“I know but they tell us we are having twins then rip our hearts out.” Andrew held her and answered, “Baby I agree but we can’t lose both of them so please try and stay calm for the baby.” She kissed Andrew back and promised to stay focused. Dan and Laura opened the door and asked if they could come in and Kirsten smiled. “Sweetheart what did he say?” 

Kirsten looked at her Mum and said sadly, “I was having twins but now I’m only having one baby. Dan closed his eyes for a moment then said, “Are you both ok?” Andrew sighed, “Shocked but ok I guess. He wants Kirsten to stay so I’ll be here with her.” Laura offered to get Kirsten’s things so Andrew didn’t have to leave and Kirsten appreciated the gesture and thanked her Mum.

When they were alone Andrew said, “I was so worried about you.” Kirsten held him tightly, “I was too but I’m glad you are here. And, what shall we name this baby?”

“Do we know if it’s a boy or girl? Kirsten looked at him, “We could ask before we pick a name!”

“Isn’t that cheating?” Kirsten smiled slightly, “After what’s happened I want to know.”

“Same here.”