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.”

1.89 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.”

1.80 Need to tell you something

Andrew was in the office with his Dad, “Are you ok?” Andrew Snr smiled, “I’m really happy for you both. What do you need?”

“Kirsten’s first appointment with the doctor is today and I want to be there.”

“What time?”

“In an hour.” He looked at his son, “It’s a bit short notice but what the hell just go. After all I’m going to be a Granddad. Do you know the sex of the baby yet?”

“Dad, I did say first appointment, besides we agreed to wait and see what we have.” Andrew hugged his son, “I can’t wait. I found a small place so you and Kirsten will have your house back.”

“Dad, wait no…”

“Andrew, you are starting a family and as much as I appreciate staying with you and Kirsten so we could get to know each other, you will need the space because I really hope you will have more than one baby.”

“Kirsten, you are in good shape and both you and baby are fine.” Kirsten was still concerned, “What about when my Mum lost my sister Ava, could that happen to me?”

“I did read up on your sister’s medical file with your Mum’s consent of course but there is really nothing to worry about here. We will however keep an extra eye on you throughout your pregnancy and if at any time we are concerned we will tell you straight away.” 

Kirsten looked at Andrew and he turned to the doctor and replied, “Thank you. Does she need to rest or eat more…” The doctor stopped him, “Andrew, your wife is fine. She will need rest, you know a good night’s sleep but not bed rest and as for eating more, the answer there is no. The eating for two is an old wives tale; all Kirsten needs to do is eat well in normal quantities.”

Andrew heard Kirsten say, “See, I can still do things and eat normally. You don’t have to be overprotective.”

“Hay, I want things to go right for you, the baby and us.” 

The doctor watched and listened for a moment or two then said, “Andrew don’t be overprotective, Kirsten knows what she is doing. Kirsten as the pregnancy goes through it’s stages enjoy him fussing over you because when the baby is here you’ll both focus on that little one and forget each other like that for a while until you develop a routine with the baby.”

After leaving the doctor’s Andrew wrapped his arms around Kirsten and softly said, “I’m still going to fuss you no matter how much you object.” Kirsten smiled and kissed him, “I love you fussing me but just don’t overdo it.”

“I can’t make any promises.” 

When they got home Jake was waiting, “Mum told me your news.” Kirsten was shocked, “Jakey, I was going to tell you…” 

He hugged her and said, “Sis, I’m excited for you really I am but need to tell you something,” 

They sat down and Kirsten looked at her brother, “Thing is I’m going to be a Dad too, we think Kay is about 6-8 weeks but she will go and get that checked.”

Kirsten squealed, “I can’t believe this you are going to be a Daddy, oh this is perfect. Kay will so understand what I’ll be going through. Where is she?”

“Playing with Charlie, she wants to spend some quality time with him.” 

Andrew asked, “Are you going with her to the appointments?”

“Kay said that she would go alone…” Andrew was in shock and so was Kirsten, “Jakey, you’d better go to those appointments with her or else. Pregnant or not I’ll still kick your butt if I have too.”

“Cool it sis, I will be attending every appointment. I know she thinks she’s tough but I know deep down she wants me to go besides if I don’t she will make my life hell.” 

Kay walked in the door looking happy, “Did you tell them?”

Kirsten interrupted their kiss, “Yes he did, I’m so glad I have someone to go through this with.”

“Me too but he did tell you the other news?” 

Jake looked sheepish as Kirsten glared at him, “I hadn’t told them yet.”

“What haven't you told me Jakey?”

“We are engaged and Kay spoke to the university and for the next 6 months until Kay goes on maternity I will be living on campus.”

“What no you can’t…”Jake knew Kirsten wouldn't take him moving away well, “Sis, it will be ok…”

“No it won’t, we’ve never lived too far apart before and my birthday is coming up and we always do the breakfast thing together and…and…” 

Jake held her and softly said, “Sis, I promise I won’t miss your birthday not now or ever.” He looked at Andrew as he said, “Babe, please stay calm. Jake won’t let you down.” She was now in tears, “I want my brother around as I get fat, and you always know what to say Jakey.”

“If you need me, I’m a phone call away besides we will be back and forth so don’t worry.” 

Andrew took her from Jake and Kay put her hand on her shoulder and said, “Please don’t be upset Kirst, we will be here a lot, you won’t even notice.” 

Kirsten looked at Kay and said calmly, “I thought we’d have moans and laughs together and drives these two insane.” Kay smiled, “We still can…”

“How?”

“Video chat, webcam so whichever one of us is having a bad pregnancy day the other can help and still drive these guys nuts.”

Kirsten now had a big smile, “And I could talk to both of you?” Jake looked at Kirsten and sweetly said, “Yes big sis and drive me insane if it makes you feel better.”